next of kin

The blood relatives entitled by law to inherit the property of a person who dies without leaving a valid will, although the term is sometimes interpreted to include a relationship existing by reason of marriage.

Cross-references

Descent and Distribution.

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next of kin n. 1) the nearest blood relatives of a person who has died, including the surviving spouse. 2) anyone who would receive a portion of the estate by the laws of descent and distribution if there were no will. (See: descent and distribution)

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next of kin noun blood kindred, blood relation, blood relative, close relative, collateral relative, consanguineal relaaions, family, family connection, family tie, individual's nearrst relative, kin, kindred, kinsman, kinspeople, near relation, nearest blood relation, nearest relative by blood, related by affinity, relation by blood, relations, relatives
Associated concepts: decedent's estate, heirs

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See also: affiliation, blood, bloodline, kindred

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NEXT OF KIN. This term is used to signify the relations of a party who has died intestate.
     2. In general no one comes within this term who is not included in the provisions of the statutes of distribution. 3 Atk. 422, 761; 1 Ves. sen. 84. A wife cannot, in general, claim as next of kin of her husband, nor a husband as next of kin of his wife. But when there are circumstances in a will which induce a belief of an intention to include them under this term, they will be so considered, though in the ordinary sense of the word, they are not. Hov. Fr. 288, 9; 1 My. & Keen, 82. Vide Branch; Kindred; Line.