Next Of Kin Legal Meaning and Definition

Here is a simplified definition of the legal term Next Of Kin.

Next of Kin (noun)

1. Refers to the person or people most closely related to a particular individual by blood, especially when this individual is deceased. It is typically used to identify the person who has the legal right to make decisions about medical treatment or property upon another's death.

2. If there is no will upon an individual's death, the next of kin may also refer to those persons who are legally entitled to inherit the deceased's estate (property, money, etc.).

Note: Whether a spouse is considered next of kin may vary depending on the details in a will or the laws of a specific jurisdiction.

Example in a sentence: "As the next of kin, Jane is responsible for handling her brother's estate since he died without a will."