Legal next of kin

[catrescuelady]

Who is legally next of kin. Is it your parents or your adult children?

There is a hierarchy which determines who is deemed closest to you as “next of kin.” Your spouse or civil partner comes first, then your children, then your parents, siblings, grandparents in that order.

Thank you.

In what context?

The UK doesn’t really have a legal definition of Next if Kin.

In hospital, for example, you can name anyone you like to be your NoK for permission to communicate with staff, make decisions etc.

If you die intestate there is a hierarchy as to who inherits: spouse or civil partner, children etc.

You can also appoint a person of your choosing to hold Power of Attorney, which gives the power to make health, welfare and financial decisions on your behalf. They don’t have to be a relative.

In the context if someone dies and the deceased didn't appoint anyone.

Where in the U.K.? Different rules in Scotland.

You mean to administer their estate then? Parent, children, siblings would all be accepted by the probate office so Whoever does it first.

See here: it takes you through the rules for each country in the UK:
https://www.gov.uk/inherits-someone-dies-without-will/y

England.

’Next of kin’ has no legal meaning, although people usually think it does.

Thank you.