Next of Kin
In Michigan, the order of family members in determining legal next-of-kin:
1. Spouse
2. Adult Child
3. Parent
4. Siblings
5. Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, or other blood relatives
For purposes of determining decisions about post-morten arrangments, See U of M Policy for Post Mortem Care UMHHC Policy 02-03-002. This has informaiton about who has rights for making decisions about the deceased.
For other issues related to frequent medical legal questions, check out the web site maintained by the Legal Office of the health system.