Who holds the sole authority for final disposition decisions according to a declaration?

The correct answer identifies the designee mentioned in the declaration as the individual who holds the sole authority for final disposition decisions. In Iowa funeral law, a declaration can designate a specific person to make these important decisions regarding the disposition of remains. This legal framework is designed to respect the wishes of the decedent and provide clarity about who has the authority to act on their behalf, thereby avoiding potential disputes among family members.

When a person makes a declaration outlining their wishes, it typically specifies who should be responsible for final arrangements upon their death. This is particularly important in ensuring that there is no ambiguity about who has the right to make decisions, thus supporting the intention of the individual who executed the declaration.

The other options do not offer the same level of authority as established in the formal declaration. While family members such as the surviving spouse or eldest child may have a role in the decision-making process, their authority might not be legally recognized unless stated in the declaration itself.