Hello, I'm next if kin for my neighbour, have been for years now, hes been my neighbour for 17 years now, I've cared for him as he's quite old and has poor mobility. I've done so much for him over the years he's become family, even joining us at Christmas, Easter etc.
He's always been very upfront that he has nothing to do with his family, his parents have both passed, no children and no brothers and sisters. Only family in 2 cousins. He has not spoken to them for a long time.
Unfortunately my neighbour is in ccu and tomorrow (being next of kin) I have to make the decision to switch the ventilation system off as he is brain dead from a huge bleed on the brain.
Ive contacted the cousin via the address book at my neighbours and he turned up at the hospital. Was very vocal on they don't talk and haven't for a very long time, they know nothing about him or his health.
When they was leaving they said I presume I get the house etc?? Which obviously I understand if a will is not found and says different, I've not come across any documents concerning wills, funerals, life insurance etc so I'm guessing there might not be one.
My question is can the family member just come in and take over? Can I register the death? Can I plan the funeral? I will be heartbroken if they come in and take that away from me when they don't know him at all and what he would want. I feel they're only showing interest as they will end up with a big inheritance.
They're not even coming back to the hospital tomorrow to say goodbye or even be with him just before he leaves this world.
Its bad enough someone is going to be going through all his house when they've not known him and don't know what was special to him.
I know I can tell them i will be involved however I can but wondered if I have any right to at least register the death and plan the funeral being next of kin and not a relative.
Thank you.
P.s not I'm not interested in the house or money, he was a dear friend and would like to send him off the way I knew he would want to not by a stranger who left them through covid alone only 20 mins away not caring....