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A Next of Kin Certificate is an important feature available through TreeVault that helps ensure your family history and genealogy research remain accessible to future generations. If you have spent years building your family tree in Family Tree Maker, preserving that information is essential. A Next of Kin Certificate allows you to designate a trusted family member who can take ownership of your TreeVault account and Family Tree Maker license when needed.

By creating a Next of Kin Certificate, you can ensure that your family records, photos, documents, and genealogy research are not lost and can be maintained by future generations. This feature is especially useful for individuals who want to preserve their family legacy and provide secure access to their family tree data.

What Is a Next of Kin Certificate?

A Next of Kin Certificate is a legally recognized document generated through TreeVault. It enables you to appoint one or more successors who can gain access to your TreeVault account and Family Tree Maker license in the future.

The certificate contains important information, including:

• The name of your designated successor
• An alternate successor (optional)
• A unique TreeVault-generated access key
• Instructions for accessing the TreeVault account
• Rights to receive a copy of Family Tree Maker
• Information required to preserve and manage the family tree

The purpose of a Next of Kin Certificate is to ensure that your genealogy work remains protected and available to the next generation.

Why Is a Next of Kin Certificate Important?

Many users spend years researching their family history and building detailed family trees. Without proper planning, valuable genealogy data may become inaccessible in the future.

A Next of Kin Certificate provides peace of mind by ensuring:

• Long-term preservation of family history
• Continued access to genealogy records
• Protection of valuable family tree data
• Easy transfer of TreeVault account ownership
• Secure succession planning for digital family records

This makes the certificate an important tool for anyone using Family Tree Maker and TreeVault services.

How to Create a Next of Kin Certificate

Creating a Next of Kin Certificate is a straightforward process. Follow the steps below to designate your successor and secure your family history.

Step 1: Sign In to Your TreeVault Account

First, log in to your TreeVault account using your account credentials. Make sure your account is active and connected to your Family Tree Maker tree.

Step 2: Open the TreeVault Account Manager

• Click the TreeVault icon located on the main toolbar.
• You can also access it through the TreeVault Cloud Services panel found under the Current Tree section in the Plan workspace.
• After opening TreeVault, select the Next of Kin option.

Step 3: Choose “Designate Successor”

Within the TreeVault Account Manager, navigate to the Next of Kin tab.

Click the Designate Successor button to begin the setup process.

Step 4: Enter the Primary Successor Information

In the Designated Successor section, enter the following details:

• Full legal name
• Relationship to you

Ensure that all information is accurate because it will appear on the generated certificate.

Step 5: Add an Alternate Successor

TreeVault also allows you to name an alternate successor.

This person will be able to take ownership of the account if the primary successor is unable or unavailable to do so.

Enter:

• Full legal name
• Relationship to you

Adding an alternate successor provides an additional layer of security for your family history records.

Step 6: Register the Successors

After entering all required information, click Register Successors.

TreeVault will securely store the designated successor information in its protected Next of Kin database.

At the same time, a PDF version of your Next of Kin Certificate will be automatically generated.

Step 7: Save or Print the Certificate

Once the certificate is generated, you can choose one of the following options:

Print Certificate

Select Print Certificate if you want a physical copy that can be:

• Included with your will
• Stored with important family documents
• Shared directly with your designated successor

Save Certificate

Select Save Certificate if you prefer to:

• Store the PDF on your computer
• Keep a digital backup
• Share the certificate electronically

Both options help ensure that your successor can access the information when necessary.

How to Change a Next of Kin Certificate

Life circumstances can change, and TreeVault makes it easy to update your designated successor.

To modify your Next of Kin Certificate:

1. Open the TreeVault Account Manager.
2. Go to the Next of Kin tab.
3. Click Change Successors.
4. Enter the updated successor information.
5. Register the new details.
6. Generate a new certificate.

This process replaces the previous successor information with your updated choices.

Benefits of a Next of Kin Certificate

There are several advantages to creating a Next of Kin Certificate, including:

• Protecting years of genealogy research
• Preserving family history for future generations
• Providing secure account succession
• Ensuring access to TreeVault services
• Simplifying the transfer of Family Tree Maker ownership
• Reducing the risk of losing valuable family records

For genealogy enthusiasts, this certificate serves as an essential part of long-term family history preservation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What is a Next of Kin Certificate?

Answer: A Next of Kin Certificate is a document generated by TreeVault that allows you to designate a successor who can access and manage your TreeVault account and Family Tree Maker license.

Question: Can I name more than one successor?

Answer: Yes. TreeVault allows you to designate a primary successor and an alternate successor.

Question: Can I change my designated successor later?

Answer: Yes, you can update your successor information at any time through the TreeVault Account Manager.

Question: Is a Next of Kin Certificate necessary?

Answer: While not mandatory, it is highly recommended for users who want to ensure their family history and genealogy research remain accessible to future generations.

Conclusion

A Next of Kin Certificate is one of the best ways to protect your family history and genealogy research. By designating a trusted successor, you can ensure that your TreeVault account, Family Tree Maker license, and valuable family tree data remain available for future generations.

Creating a Next of Kin Certificate only takes a few minutes, but it provides long-term protection for the family legacy you have worked so hard to build. If you need assistance creating, updating, or managing your Next of Kin Certificate, you can contact Family Tree Maker support for additional guidance and help.