The next of kin of the deceased is the court’s main point of impact throughout the coroner’s investigation. The next of kin is usually determined by seniority and or relationship with the deceased. This will usually be the spouse or domestic partner of the deceased, a son or daughter above the age of 18 years, a parent, a sibling who is over 18 years or a named executor in the deceased will.
Where none of the above exists then the next of kin will be a person determined by the coroner to be taken as the senior next of kin because of the closeness of the person to the deceased immediately before his death. Once the next of kin has been established such a person will be informed of any proceedings that will be commenced and undertaken in the coronial process and will be kept updated on any medical and other reports available to the Coroner.