Who would be considered the legal next of kin?

The legal next of kin is typically defined as the individual designated by law to have authority over a deceased person's estate and decisions regarding their remains. This can vary by jurisdiction, but generally, it encompasses individuals legally appointed or defined under state statutes to make such decisions.

A legally appointed individual refers to someone who has been formally designated through legal means, such as a power of attorney, executor under a will, or a court appointment. This designation holds significant weight in legal situations, especially when there may be disputes among potential heirs or when the deceased did not leave direct instructions.

In the hierarchy of next of kin, while adult children, parents, and spouses may also hold claims to decision-making rights based on their relationships to the deceased, the term 'legally appointed individual' covers those who have received explicit authority that supersedes familial relationships. Therefore, this designation is crucial in determining who has the legal right to act on behalf of the deceased in matters concerning their estate and arrangements after death.