Any family lawyers? - next of kin

[Killer2005]

Hi all, a few questions on next of kin if anyone could help.

My OH has 3 siblings and their mother is currently in a home with less than a few days to live. Her 2nd sister has been given next of kin status and any decisions about their mother seems to have to go through this sister.

The problem is that this 2nd sister is a bit of a fruitloop and doesn't necessarily do what is best for their mum. For example the mothers hand has swollen up badly and a wedding ring needs to be cut off her finger. My OH and eldest sister have been at the home all day and are unable to agree to anything and the home need to call the sister with NOK who wouldn't discuss anything about it.

So is there anyway of getting anything done without going through mental sister or can the NOK status be removed.

Thanks in advance

[JumboBeef]

Killer2005 said:

For example the mothers hand has swollen up badly and a wedding ring needs to be cut off her finger.

Can't help you with the rest of your post but can help you with that one bit:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSq_7e6DJMg

[Jasandjules]

Who gave her NOK?

[Killer2005]

Jasandjules said:

Who gave her NOK?

Came from her mum apparently. And at a point after a hospital stated that she had early onset Alzheimer's.

Edited by Killer2005 on Wednesday 26th August 21:27

[Jasandjules]

Killer2005 said:

Came from her mum apparently. And at a point after a hospital stated that she had early onset Alzheimer's.

I assume this is in relation to her medical treatment?

NoK doesn't have a specific meaning in these cases IIRC.

Just had a chat with a consultant friend, she says go to hospital have a chat with the doctor, if needs be request a Best Interest Meeting to try to resolve it.

[meddyg]

The above poster is correct, NOK Only has a limited role within medicine, it is merely a title given to the relative who will be contacted to discuss decisions etc. They have no power to make decisions, nor do they have more rights to make / help with decisions over and above other immediate family members. Their role is to help inform medical professionals what the patient would have wanted if they were able to speak for them selves (I.e. Pre memory loss etc...)

The only time one sibling may have more ''power" over a health related decision is if they had a LPA that covered health matters.

There is also no rule that you can only have one NOK. usually people put down several NOK, so you could always ring said GP practice and asked to be added on as a NOK.

If there are any disputes between family members, a best interest meeting is usually held as per the above post.

[Jasandjules]

I also forgot to add, if push comes to shove and you are really worried, Power of Attorney is a step which can be taken, but should be considered very carefully first.

[Killer2005]

Thank you for your help.

Unfortunately my OHs mum died this afternoon. She'd been ill for some time so a bit of relief for her family but still there were lots of tears.

The next hurdle is that my OH and her mental sister are both executers of the will, which Im sure may cause a few issues in the next few weeks.

Thanks again