Finding Out Your Next of Kin

Essentially, this is a term that describes your closest living relative, by blood or by relationship.
Dave Kaplan's profile picture Dave Kaplan 2 MIN READ
Finding Out Your Next of Kin

Finding out your next of kin

If you're looking at making plans around your estate and what comes next, from writing a Will to listing out your assets, the question is going to come up again and again - who is your next of kin? Essentially, this is a term that describes your closest living relative, by blood or by relationship.

That seems primarily straight forward. Your next of kin when you write your Will are likely to be:

  • Your partner
  • Your children
  • Your parents
  • Your siblings

Why does this matter?

In some circumstances, particularly when it comes to a Will being contested or when it comes to the decisions made by the executor, it will be important for the next of kin to be identified in order to recognise any decisions they might legally need to make.

While it's impossible to understand the full range of what that might be, it is important to note that your next of kin does hold an important legal place when it comes to your assets and your estate.

What happens if I don't have a Will?

In cases where people pass away without a Will (which is called dying intestate) the estate will largely go to the deceased's next of kin by default. This means that whoever is identified as your next of kin will by and large inherit your assets.

If you don't want that to be the case, or you want to make some more complicated and thoughtful plans around your assets, for example by looking after additional friends and loved ones or making charitable gifts, you will want to have a Will in place that directs your estate according to your best wishes.

Disclaimer: The content of this blog is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. This blog should not be relied upon as legal, financial, accounting or tax advice.

Share this guide:

Related Guides

post.title
post.author.nameAriella Birnbaum
3 MIN READ
Are Prepaid Cremation Plans A Good Choice?

From Ancient Egyptian funeral plans to 19th century ‘penny policies’, discover the history of the prepaid funeral plans, and why prepaid cremation plans are safe with us.

post.title
post.author.nameRachel Hechtman
3 MIN READ
Funeral Insurance vs. Prepaid Funerals: What’s the Difference?

Planning for your funeral is often avoided because it can seem overwhelming. But getting organised can make it easier for your nearest and dearest, when the time comes. Read on to learn about the difference between saving up, funeral bonds, funeral insurance and pre-paid funerals.

post.title
post.author.nameAriella Birnbaum
3 MIN READ
Prepaid Funerals: Should I pay upfront or in instalments?

Preplanning your funeral but not sure which payment option to choose? This guide is for you.

post.title
post.author.nameDave Kaplan
4 MIN READ
What Does ‘Probate’ Mean in Australia?

In this guide, we cover who applies for probate, when it’s necessary and how to apply for probate in Australia.

See All Guides