In general, a person’s immediate family is his or her smallest family unit, including parents, siblings, spouse, and children. It may include relatives through marriage, such as a mother-in-law.

An individual can nominate any other individual as their next-of-kin. There is no requirement for the nominated person to be a blood relative or spouse, although it is normally the case. Hospitals will then notify the next-of-kin that the patient has been admitted or if there is any change in their condition.

Siblings – brothers and sisters In the event that the deceased person passed away with no spouse, civil partner, children or parents then their siblings are considered to be the next of kin.

Your next of kin relatives are your children, parents, and siblings, or other blood relations.

Many married couples own most of their assets jointly with the right of survivorship. When one spouse dies, the surviving spouse automatically receives complete ownership of the property. This distribution cannot be changed by Will.

In most cases, your property is distributed in split shares to your “heirs,” which could include your surviving spouse, parents, siblings, aunts and uncles, nieces, nephews, and distant relatives. Generally, when no relatives can be found, the entire estate goes to the state.

An adult can make a valid will without notifying their wife or husband. Not telling a spouse would be unusual, but not illegal.

It is a customary estate planning practice for each spouse to have his or her own will. While some practitioners may draft a joint will for a married couple, it is not recommended.

IRAs. The surviving spouse (or registered domestic partner) is not automatically entitled to inherit the money in the deceased spouse’s traditional IRA or Roth IRA. If the account owner designated someone else as the beneficiary, then that person will be able to claim the money.