• Understanding Next of Kin
• Definition: The next of kin is the closest living relative, typically a spouse, de facto partner, or the nearest blood relative.
• Relevance: Crucial in estate planning, particularly in documents like the Last Will & Testament.
• Notification: Often the first person informed of the death, unless another emergency contact is specified.
• Legal Order of Next of Kin
• Spouse or domestic partner
• Adult son or daughter (eldest surviving takes seniority)
• Parent
• Adult sibling
• Person named as an executor in the Will
• Personal representative of the deceased before death
• Person determined by the Coroner based on closeness to the deceased before death
• Responsibilities of Next of Kin
• Executor Nomination: A Last Will & Testament designates an executor. In the absence of a valid Will, the next of kin assumes responsibility for the estate.
• Dying Intestate: If there's no valid Will, the next of kin manages the estate. To avoid this, create or update your Will.
• Grant of Probate: If the deceased had no Will, the next of kin applies for a grant of Probate to become the estate administrator.
• Duties Include:
• Deciding on organ donation and post-mortem examinations (if applicable).
• Notifying family and friends of the death.
• Registering the death with authorities within 30 days.
• Organizing the funeral.
• Concluding the deceased's financial matters.
• Administering the deceased estate, including assessing asset value and distributing assets to beneficiaries.

Note: The next of kin is not legally obligated to undertake the estate administration process.