Who comes last in the next of kin hierarchy among relatives?

The correct choice identifies that any relative in a descending blood relationship comes last in the next of kin hierarchy. This hierarchy is typically established to determine who has the legal right to make decisions regarding the deceased's remains and estate. Next of kin classifications usually prioritize relationships based on closeness, starting from immediate family members.

In this context, the legal spouse is generally ranked highest in the hierarchy, followed by children, parents, and siblings. The maternal grandparents and other relatives in descending blood lines, such as aunts, uncles, and cousins, would fall lower in priority than direct descendants or a legal spouse.

Thus, any relative in descending blood relationship, which includes these more distant relatives, is considered last in this hierarchy because they are further removed from the immediate family structure that typically has the first claim to make decisions related to the deceased. Understanding this hierarchy is essential in the field of funeral service, as it affects how important decisions are made regarding a person's final arrangements.