A person's closest living blood relatives, as determined by law. In intestacy, next of kin inherit when someone dies without a will, following statutory rules of priority (spouse, children, parents, siblings). In medical contexts, refers to the person authorized to make decisions for an incapacitated person.
Your closest living relatives according to law—typically spouse, children, parents, or siblings. The term has different meanings: in inheritance law, it's who inherits if you die without a will. In medical contexts, it's who hospitals contact in emergencies. Important: next of kin is determined by law, not personal choice—you can't just designate anyone, though you can appoint specific people through wills and powers of attorney.
⏱ When you'll encounter this term
- Dying without a will (intestacy)
- Hospital emergency contacts and medical decisions
- Applying for a death certificate
- Discussing estate planning with a lawyer
- Family disputes about who has decision-making authority
"My brother died without a will. He lived with his partner for 20 years, but they weren't married. His next of kin legally are his two kids from a previous marriage, so they inherited everything and his partner got nothing."
💡 Did you know?
Next of kin determined by law often don't match your actual relationships. Stepchildren, unmarried partners (in some jurisdictions), and close friends have no automatic next-of-kin rights. Making a will and appointing powers of attorney ensures your choices—not legal formulas—determine what happens.