Next of kin is usually a term used to describe your closest living relative. In the UK, there is no clear rule about who your next of kin can be. The exception to this is children under 18, for whom next of kin must be the person who has the authority to make legal decisions on their behalf, such as a parent or guardian.
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Most people choose their partner, parents or children as their next of kin. When someone dies, the following order is generally accepted when working out who is the deceased’s next of kin:
- Spouse or civil partner
- Children
- Parents
- Siblings