Next Of Kin

[jennyjoan]

What happens if you don't have one for hospitals etc

[barry1010]

Nothing. It just means there is nobody for them to discuss your treatment/situation with and if you are not in a position to discuss your treatment with the staff they will proceed in the way they believe is in your best interests

[Barsel]

I think one of the reasons they ask for next of kin is if you were perhaps taken into hospital and unable to tell them they could look in your notes and phone that person who is listed as next of kin.
If there is no next of kin, then I expect you would ask a close friend if you could give their details in case the hospital needs to let someone know where you are.

[barry1010]

Next of kin has no legal standing and can be anyone you want.
You can choose not to name anyone as next of kin

[Countrylover]

Barry is correct. Just ask the person you feel is right and ask them if they are prepared to act as next of kin. You can change your next of kin any time you like. There is no legal standing. But do ask if they are prepared to do it.

[rowanwitch]

You can have a good friend as 'significant other' especially if they know about what you would want if unable to say for yourself

[ladybirder]

jj this UKGOV link might help you on choosing a Power of Attorney.
https://www.gov.uk/power-of-attorney

[Peter Pedant]

discuss your treatment with the staff they will proceed in the way they believe is in your best interests

which they should be doing anyway

Just make one up ( n-o-k)