If a person dies intestate with no identifiable next of kin, the person's estate generally escheats (i.e., legally reverts) to the government.

However, if there are none of these, the estate can often be distributed to the next closest group of living relatives, whether they be parents, grandparents, first cousins, aunts and uncles, or second cousins in extreme cases. However, there are people without any close adult relatives and, in such a case, decision-making power often flows to a niece or nephew, first cousin, aunt or uncle, or grandparent.įor example, if a person dies intestate, the laws of some jurisdictions require distribution of the estate to the decedent's spouse or children. In some legal systems, rights regarding inheritance (which imply a decision-making capacity - for example, in a medical emergency - where no clear will or instructions have been given, and where the person has no spouse) flow to the closest relative (regardless of the age, with a representative appointed if a minor), usually a child, a parent or a sibling. 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. Some countries, such as the United States, have a legal definition of 'next of kin'.

( September 2013) ( Learn how and when to remove this template message)Ī person's next of kin (NOK) may be that person's spouse, adopted family member or closest living blood relative. You may improve this article, discuss the issue on the talk page, or create a new article, as appropriate. The examples and perspective in this article may not represent a worldwide view of the subject.

Next Of Kin by Jae