Hello Vin, Not quite an answer to your question, but may be of interest. When claiming my father's Australian Army medals (unclaimed by him) I received a letter setting out the claimants in order of entitlement. Regards, Maureen 'If the ex-member is deceased, the medals may be issued to one of the following persons in order of entitlement indicated: Please note that the medal may only be issued to the eldest surviving person in any of these categories. a. Beneficiary under Will, b. Widow/Widower, c. Son, d. Daughter, e. Step-son, f. Step-daugher, g. Grandson, h. Grand-daughter, i. Father, j. Mother, k. Brother, l. Sister, m. Half-brother, n. Half-sister, o. Nephew, p. Niece, q. Other person named as next of kin in official records.' > Hello Vin, > I have no 'qualifications' but my understanding is that ALL children > would be the next of kin. We have no order of inheritance in > Australia and all siblings are treated equally. If you read the order > of inheritance if a person died interstate you will see that there is > no preference to gender or seniority only relationships counts. > Mary > > Hi All, > > Could SKS who has an interest in family law (in Australia) please > > tell me who is the next of kin to the parents in a mixed gender > > family. Is it the eldest child or the eldest son? > > I apologize if I am out of order on this list. > > Kindest Regards to all. > > Vin Beriman. ______________________________