### Question
How does the law define next of kin?


### Answer
Under *10 U.S.C. § 1126*, **next of kin** is defined as:

> individuals standing in such relationship to members of the armed forces described in subsection (a) as the Secretaries concerned shall jointly specify in regulations for purposes of this section

#### Citation:
  - *10 U.S.C. § 1126*
  - Heading: **Subtitle A-General Military Law > PART II-PERSONNEL > CHAPTER 57-DECORATIONS AND AWARDS**

