Next of Kin
/ˌnɛkst əv ˈkɪn/
Definitions
- (n.) A person's closest living blood relative or relatives recognized for purposes such as inheritance, notification of death, or legal decisions.
The hospital contacted the deceased's next of kin to inform them of the situation.
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Commentary
Next of kin is often used in statutes and legal documents to identify individuals who have priority in inheritance or decision-making absent a will.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.