Legal Eagle Q & A: Who is legally my next of kin?

May 27, 2019 by Melinda @ Giles Wilson Solicitors

Question: I am divorced and live with my partner.  I have a 19 year old son. Who is my next of kin?

Answer: This is a difficult question for me to answer!  It depends on why you need to know - if you die without a will, then it will be your son who inherits, on the other hand if you are ill and the doctors need to consult with someone then they could choose either or both of them.  The fact is that there is no such thing as your legal next of kin - you will need to make a will to ensure that the right people inherit, and make a power of attorney for most other things, and even then we are talking about various types of powers of attorney. I am sorry that I cannot give you a perfect answer but hopefully I have highlighted some of the issues for you.

This Q & A is by Melinda Giles at Giles Wilson Solicitors.  
For legal advice please call 01702 477 106 or visit one of Giles Wilson's offices: 1711 London Road Leigh, 54 Leigh Broadway, 5 Roche Close Rochford