How do i change my next of kin?

yorkiegalyorkiegal Posts: 18,929
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Being the hypochondriac that i am, i was recently languishing at home with a bad cold (possible bird flu lol) when i got to thinking about what would happen if i was really sick or died in the future. I haven't had any contact with any family members for 2 years now and don't intend to have them in my life anymore. I live alone and have no partner or children, just a couple of good friends. However, if i died, am i right in thinking that my father would automatically be my next of kin? I don't want any of my ex family to have the right to pull the plug or organise my funeral but i also don't want to put that responsibility onto a friend.
Does anyone know if there is any way of legally severing all ties with family so that this doesn't happen?
(incidentally my life is 100% better without these people in it)

Comments

  • trash80trash80 Posts: 21,537
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    can't you specify this and other funeral arrangements in your will?
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 3,356
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    You definitely need to make a will and you should do this by seeing a specialist solicitor. Thats not one who just writes wills, but does probate as well. They can guide you through what preparations you need to make to ensure that you have covered your wishes although your next of kin do not actually have to abide by your funeral wishes.

    Personally, if I had a friend in your situation I would prefer to have the "hassle" of arranging everything so that I knew it was being done as you wanted. I would like to think my closest friends could discuss this with me and I wonder whether you should engineer a conversation with your friends to give them the opportunity to offer to step into the breach.
  • yorkiegalyorkiegal Posts: 18,929
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    Thanks. I haven't made a will yet as i really don't have anything to leave (other than a credit card bill) but you're right, thats probably a sensible thing to do. My biggest concern is that they would have power over me if i was incapacitated. A will wouldn't really prevent that happening. I wonder if i can ask my gp to note it on my medical records?
  • MirageMirage Posts: 39,247
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    This site may offer the answers to some of the questions, but as said above, it is worth getting it checked out further.

    http://www.rbbh.nhs.uk/next-kin

    Also found this site which explains it and offers a download next of kin card to print out.

    http://www.royalfree.nhs.uk/pdf/Next_of_Kin002.pdf
  • yorkiegalyorkiegal Posts: 18,929
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    thanks for that Mirage :)
  • rogtogrogtog Posts: 987
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    How do i change my next of kin?
    Polish the stairs?
  • yorkiegalyorkiegal Posts: 18,929
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    rogtog wrote:
    Polish the stairs?

    :D oh what a wonderful thought!
  • AvoriazAvoriaz Posts: 103
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    If you die "Intestate", which means without having made a valid will, then the law determines how your estate (everything you own) is distributed and your family will benefit.

    Therefore, as others have said, you should make a will specifying what YOU want done with your estate.

    For someone with simple affairs it is very easy and straightforward. If you want to leave everything to a cat's home, or divided equally between two friends for example, then a DIY will is a good and very inexpensive option. You can buy a will pack from WH Smith I think or search the internet for free.

    If you have slightly more complicated wishes with lots of provisos and what ifs, then you would be advised to go to a specialist will making company who will charge you £50 - £100 probably.

    Go for it. :)
  • mpmc17mpmc17 Posts: 2,434
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    OMG WH Smith do Will's now too.. :/
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 1,024
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    yorkiegal wrote:
    Being the hypochondriac that i am, i was recently languishing at home with a bad cold (possible bird flu lol) when i got to thinking about what would happen if i was really sick or died in the future. I haven't had any contact with any family members for 2 years now and don't intend to have them in my life anymore. I live alone and have no partner or children, just a couple of good friends. However, if i died, am i right in thinking that my father would automatically be my next of kin? I don't want any of my ex family to have the right to pull the plug or organise my funeral but i also don't want to put that responsibility onto a friend.
    Does anyone know if there is any way of legally severing all ties with family so that this doesn't happen?
    (incidentally my life is 100% better without these people in it)

    Oh God yorkiegal - you've just made me think! I no longer have anything to do with my mother (which has made my life so much happier), but do you think she's my next of kin?
    I'm fine with my dad, but would she come first? She'd probably tell them to put me down. :eek:
    My dad lives miles and miles away though, plus I'd rather my partner was my next of kin.
  • trash80trash80 Posts: 21,537
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    well if you are married then your spouse is automatically next of kin i think, if not you can specify your partner to be
  • MorzineMorzine Posts: 513
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    Smoo wrote:
    .. plus I'd rather my partner was my next of kin.
    If your are legally married then he is your NOK.

    If you are not legally married it is more complex so the simple safe and easy solution is to make a will, or better still joint wills with your partner. The law does not take sentiment into account and will just follow clearly defined rules and procedures on the death of an intestate person. Your mother will have equal rights with your father if you die intestate and they will both quite possibly supercede your partner.

    Wills are not just for old people, anyone who has a partner or dependants should have one. In fact I think everyone should make a will on reaching adulthood. I am not in the will writing business and trying to drum up business. :D
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 1,024
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    Thanks trash80 and Morzine :)

    I'm not married, therefore I guess I should make a will :(
    Damn it, why won't he marry me? :D

    I'd make a will pronto if I had kids, but so far, I haven't seen any reason to. Maybe I should now. I haven't got anything really though. Just a s**t load of books and CDs. :o:D
  • MorzineMorzine Posts: 513
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    Smoo wrote:
    ..Maybe I should now. I haven't got anything really though. Just a s**t load of books and CDs. :o:D
    Not maybe, definitely make one now.

    You are worth more than you think. Have you contributed to a pension scheme? Do you own property? A car? Expensive jewellery or clothes?

    Do you own premium bonds or do the lottery?

    Imaging if you bought a lottery ticket on Friday, won £5million on the lottery on Saturday and died of over celbrating on the Sunday.

    Your mother and father and the taxman might get the lot and your partner nothing if there is no will.

    I exaggerate to make a point and I mean no hurt or offence. :)
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