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Not necessarily. If the widower is unmarried, and has no children, but has parents or siblings that are still living - then they are the next of kin
If the girlfriend can be considered his common-law wife and the state where they reside recognizes the validity of such a marriage, she can claim next of kin.
If he is still alive, your grandfather is the legal next of kin to your grandmother. Failing that, her children are her next of kin. Does she have living siblings? Those are also closer kin than her grandchildren. Failing that, it gets more complicated. We all have different families with different relatives.
That depends on whether or not they have any children, grandchildren, siblings, or if their parents are still living. If they have children, then the children are the next of kin. If they had children and the children are deceased, yet had children of their own, then the grandchildren would be the next of kin. If there are no grandchildren either, then the parents are next of kin. If the parents are deceased, then the siblings would be next of kin. If they have no children, grandchildren, siblings or surviving parents or grandparents, then the closest blood relatives would be their next of kin, such as aunts and uncles, cousins, etc. in that order.
An estranged wife is still married and has all the legal rights that inure to a spouse. Your legal status is not changed by living apart, only if the marriage is legally dissolved by a divorce. You are legal next of kin to your husband.
Generally, the grandchildren would be the next of kin. You can check state laws of intestacy at the related question below.
If both parents are dead, the next of kin for your sister would typically be determined by the laws of intestacy in your jurisdiction. This generally means that her next of kin would likely be her closest living blood relatives, such as siblings, grandparents, or aunts/uncles. If there are no living relatives, the next of kin may be determined by a legal guardian or appointed representative.
No, when someone remarries, their new spouse typically becomes their next of kin, superseding the previous spouse in legal matters. However, family dynamics and legal arrangements can vary, so it's important to consult with a legal professional for specific advice.
In the US when a person dies with no living next of kin their property escheats to the state.
Your closest relation is your next of kin. This is normally a spouse, one or both parents, your siblings, or your children, depending on how old your are and who is living. Descendants and spouses take precedence.
Yes. Your "estranged wife" is still your legal spouse.
A next of kin is your closest living blood relative. There are many laws regarding a next of kin but they vary from state to state and country to country. A next of kin may be eligible to receive an inheritance when you die and they might have power to make decisions for you if they are not able to.