Next of kin refers to a persons closest living relative(s) through blood or legal relationships. The specifics of determining next of kin and inheritance vary by jurisdiction. In some countries, such as the United States, there is a legal definition of "next of kin". In other countries, such as the United Kingdom, "next of kin" may have no legal definition and may not necessarily refer to blood relatives at all. An individual can nominate any other individual as their next of kin, and there is no requirement for the nominated person to be a blood relative or spouse, although it is normally the case.
In the context of healthcare, patients are often asked to nominate a next-of-kin when registering with their general practitioner or on admission to the hospital. Hospitals will then notify the next-of-kin that the patient has been admitted or if there is any change in their condition. If the patient is unconscious or otherwise unable to state their next-of-kin, hospitals will usually list their nearest blood relative, though there are no specific rules.
When someone dies intestate, meaning they didnt have a will or inheritance plan in place, the next of kin is determined in probate court to establish who is first to receive the inheritance from the decedents estate. This is in accordance with the intestate succession statute of the state they lived in. The next of kin may also have certain responsibilities during and after a persons life, such as making medical decisions, making funeral arrangements, and assuming control of financial affairs.
