LawMeaning

Next of Kin

In one sentence

The closest living relative or relatives of a deceased person, determined by law.

Plain English

Next of kin refers to the person or people who are most closely related to someone who has died. The exact definition varies by state and context, but it typically means the closest living blood relatives in this order: spouse, children, parents, siblings, and then more distant relatives. Next of kin is used in several legal situations—to determine who inherits if there's no will, who can make medical decisions for an incapacitated person, or who should be notified in an emergency. It's a legal way of saying "closest family."

Ad slot

Example

When Rosa is hospitalized in a coma with no advance directive, the hospital contacts her next of kin—her adult daughter—to make medical decisions on her behalf. If Rosa had no children, her spouse would be next of kin; if no spouse, her parents; and so on.

Used in a sentence

“The court appointed her next of kin, her brother, as administrator of the estate because she died intestate.”

Related terms

Heir
A person legally entitled to inherit from someone who dies without a valid will, determined by state law.
Issue
All direct descendants of a person, including children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Collateral Heir
A relative who is not a direct descendant, such as a sibling, aunt, uncle, or cousin.
Administrator
A person appointed by the court to manage an estate when there is no will.
Bequest
A gift of personal property left to someone in a will.
Probate
The court process of validating a will and distributing a deceased person's estate.
Intestate Succession
The legal process of distributing a deceased person's property when they leave no valid will.
Elective Share
A surviving spouse's right to claim a portion of the deceased spouse's estate despite the will.

This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney.