What does the term "legal next-of-kin" refer to?

The term "legal next-of-kin" refers to a familial relationship recognized by law, specifically identifying individuals who are related to the deceased in a manner that grants them certain rights and responsibilities. This legal status typically determines who has the authority to make decisions regarding the deceased's affairs, such as burial or cremation arrangements, and can affect the distribution of the deceased's estate. Generally, this includes individuals like spouses, parents, children, and siblings.

In contrast, a person designated in a will is someone chosen by the deceased to handle their estate, but they may not necessarily fall under the legal next-of-kin category. An individual with power of attorney has been granted authority to act on someone else's behalf during their lifetime, but this role does not extend to after death. Similarly, an estate executor is responsible for administering the estate according to the will, but they might not be a legal next-of-kin. Therefore, the correct understanding of "legal next-of-kin" emphasizes the recognized familial bond according to the law.