The loss of a parent can be devastating for a child. Not only does the child lose the emotional support of the parent, but financial support may also be lost. A wrongful death claim may be brought on behalf of a child for the loss of his parent when the parent dies due to the wrongful act or negligence of another. Both minor children and adult children may receive compensation under the Wrongful Death Act for their pecuniary losses resulting from the death of their parents. Adopted children and adoptive parents qualify as next of kin entitled to recovery under the Act. The Wrongful Death Act specifically provides that next of kin includes an adopting parent and an adopted child and they are treated the same as natural parent and natural child would be. Whether the decedent has a spouse or children significantly impacts the manner in which any available proceeds are distributed. Neither parents nor siblings are considered “next of kin” entitled to recover under the Act when the decedent leaves surviving children. This can become especially complicated when multiple children are involved with different mothers or fathers. This is an issue a Chicago attorney must carefully consider when advising the next of kin regarding their rights in a Wrongful Death claim.