37-19-906. Loss of right of disposition. A person entitled to the right of disposition under 37-19-904 forfeits that right and the right is passed on to the next qualifying person listed in 37-19-904 under the following circumstances:
     (1) the person is charged with deliberate or negligent homicide in connection with the decedent's death. However, if the charges against the person are dismissed or if the person is acquitted of the charges, the right of disposition is returned to the person.
     (2) the person does not exercise the person's right of disposition within 2 days after notification of the death of the decedent or within 3 days of the decedent's death, whichever is earlier;
     (3) the person and the decedent are spouses and a petition to dissolve the marriage was pending at the time of the decedent's death; or
     (4) the district court, pursuant to 37-19-907, determines that the person entitled to the right of disposition and the decedent were estranged at the time of death. For purposes of this subsection, "estranged" means a physical and emotional separation from the decedent existing at the time of death and that existed for a period of time prior to death that clearly demonstrates an absence of affection, trust, and regard for the decedent.

     History: En. Sec. 6, Ch. 208, L. 2009.