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Next of kin


Download this guide as an easy-to-print leaflet - Next Of Kin (103 KB)

Where there's a will...

Naming your partner as your next of kin won't help them inherit from you. You need to make a will. Go to our Wills & Inheritance Issues section for more information.


Many unmarried partners worry about how the hospital would treat them if their partner had an accident or became ill. Would hospital staff understand that you are the closest person to your partner, even though you aren’t married? Would they treat you as their next of kin?
In this section we explain what the term 'next of kin' really means and show you how you can make sure your partner is treated as your next of kin by the hospital.

Download our Next Of Kin (103 KB) - it comes complete with a Next of Kin card to be kept in your wallet. The card will help clarify your wishes if you fall ill, and ensure that your partner is treated as your next of kin.

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Mary Webber - Advicenow

February 2010

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Married or not looks at the differences between marriage and cohabitation, what your rights are, and how to raise some of the trickier issues with your partner.

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In this section

Did you think your 'next of kin' had to be a family member?

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