Can you designate your next of kin?

Mojisola

beccauk wrote: »

My will names one sole executor who is also the sole beneficiery, with one substitution.

I'll consider the Power of Attorney and also the next of kin cards. My situation is exactly as what greenbee said...if anything were to happen to me, a self-declared next of kin would turn up and start demanding authority. This particular relative has done this at every family emergency and seems to believe she is entitled to be in charge. Every issue the family's had, we've had to put her in her place first, and fix the chaos she's caused, which then delays addressing the actual problem.

Mostly I want to be in a position that the people who actually know me, and actually care about me (my close friends) have a clear and uninhibited pathway to deal with events should I die.

Chose a strong-willed friend to be your NOK and executor.

Give him/her a letter naming him/her as your NOK. Warn him/her about the risk of the relative trying to take over.

You could even put in the letter that you do not want X to have anything to do with decisions about your health, your funeral or your estate.

RAS

Mojisola wrote: »

You could even put in the letter that you do not want X to have anything to do with decisions about your health, your funeral or your estate.

Good idea; address the issue in advance.

Also add your friend as an ICE (In Case of Emergency) number on your phone.