Lähiomaisia

Lähiomaisia is a Finnish term used to describe close relatives or next of kin. It designates people who share a close familial bond with a given person and is used in legal, administrative, and social contexts to identify those who have a particular role or rights concerning that person.

Etymology and sense: The word combines lähi- meaning near or close with omainen meaning relative or kin. Lähiomaisia is the plural partitive form, used when referring to several such relatives. The exact scope of who counts as alähiomainen depends on the specific statute or regulation in question, so the term can have slightly different meanings in different contexts.

Usage and scope: In practice, the concept often covers the spouse or registered partner and the person’s children and parents. Siblings and other close relatives may also be included, depending on the law, regulation, or administrative rule at issue. In some situations, more distant relatives or other designated persons may be covered if the applicable legal provision specifies it.

Contexts and examples: In health care, authorities may need to inform or obtain consent from lähiomaiset when a patient cannot make decisions for themselves. In inheritance or guardianship matters, the term can indicate those who have priority for information, consultation, or decision-making under the relevant rules. The definition is context-dependent and should be understood in light of the governing statute.

See also: Lähisukulaiset (close relatives), kinship terms in Finnish law.