Who is next in line after the designee for controlling disposition?

The correct choice is the surviving spouse, as they hold a legal priority in the hierarchy for controlling disposition decisions after the designee specified by the decedent. In Iowa law, the order of priority for making funeral arrangements or determining the disposition of a deceased person's remains typically follows a specific sequence, with a spouse being among the first in line after any designated individual.

If there is no designee, the surviving spouse is recognized as the person with the legal right to act on behalf of the deceased regarding funeral decisions. This authority reflects the importance of the spousal relationship in estate and family law, ensuring that the preferences of the legally recognized partner are honored when possible.

The other options, such as grandparents, next of kin, or family friends, generally follow the surviving spouse in the hierarchy, indicating they typically do not have as immediate a right to control disposition as the spouse does. This prioritization emphasizes the legal bond and responsibilities between spouses in dealing with matters following the death of one partner.