next of kin

noun
1.
a person's nearest relative or relatives:
The newspaper did not publish the names of casualties until the next of kin had been notified.
2.
Law. the nearest relative or relatives who share in the estate of a person who dies intestate.
Origin
1760-70
Examples from the web for next of kin
  • Generally, when someone is in critical condition or deceased, it is the hospital or police who notifies next of kin.
  • Please have your next of kin contact your behavioral health provider for an immediate psychiatric evaluation.
  • Local law requires the hospital to ask the next of kin whether to continue treatment.
  • Officials are withholding the officer's name pending notification of next of kin.
  • Moreover, his work is being done under the intense scrutiny of the department of health, outcome committees and next of kin.
  • Requests require the signature of the veteran or next of kin, if the veteran is deceased.
  • The investigating unit supervisor is responsible for notification of the next of kin for all other incidents.
  • List all next of kin of proper decree of kinship with names, addresses and ages, if minors.
  • These diagnostic tests are conducted after release of the body to the next of kin.
British Dictionary definitions for next of kin

next of kin

noun
1.
a person's closest relative or relatives