What condition grants a funeral director complete authority to control final disposition?

The condition that grants a funeral director complete authority to control final disposition is when none of the specified persons exist. In many legal frameworks, including Oklahoma law, there is a hierarchy of individuals who have the right to control the disposition of a deceased person's remains—usually starting with the deceased's spouse, children, or other close relatives. If none of these designated individuals can be identified or do not exist, the funeral director is granted complete authority to make arrangements for the final disposition of the body. This provision ensures that there are no delays in the process and that the deceased is treated with dignity and respect even in the absence of designated family members or representatives.

The other options do not afford a funeral director such complete authority. The existence of a will typically provides direction regarding the disposition of remains and may assign control to an executor. While approval from local health authorities may be necessary for certain procedures, it does not grant the funeral director authority over the final disposition. Lastly, while the completion of a death investigation is important in many circumstances, it does not relate directly to the funeral director's authority but rather ensures legal and health regulations are met before final disposition occurs. Thus, the absence of specified parties leads directly to the funeral director's authority in controlling final disposition.