If no relatives claim the body, what type of party takes over?

When no relatives claim a body, it typically falls to a secondary party to take responsibility for the disposition of the remains. This secondary party is often an agency or organization, such as a local government or public health authority, that steps in to manage the handling and burial of the deceased when family members or legally appointed guardians are not available or willing to act.

This situation generally arises in cases where the deceased has no identifiable relatives, or they may have abandoned responsibility. The secondary party, which is authorized to make decisions regarding the body, ensures that the remains are treated respectfully and in accordance with legal requirements.

In contrast, the other options provided do not accurately depict the role that steps in under these circumstances. A primary party typically refers to someone who has a direct relationship with the deceased, while a legal guardian applies mainly to living individuals under guardianship, and a best friend does not usually have the authority to make decisions about burial or cremation unless there are specific legal directives in place.