I was adopted by my parents when I was seven years old, and my siblings are much older than I am. We all got along fine until some issues came up regarding my father’s medical care. Now my siblings are not speaking to me. I am afraid they will make sure I do not get anything from my father’s estate now that he is dead. He died without a will. How do I prove my right to inherit?
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Answer: (1)
Because your father died without a will, his closest relatives will inherit his property, under the terms of state law. States differ on the details, but all of them provide that the surviving spouse and children inherit. Children who were legally adopted are treated the same as biological children are under these "intestate succession" laws.
As a legal heir of your father, you have a right to be notified of any probate court proceedings begun by your siblings. If you don't think you're getting the documents you should, contact the probate court and see whether a probate proceeding has begun.
If your siblings do try to block your rights to your share of your father’s estate, talk to an experienced probate attorney to help you protect your rights.
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Posted by Edith Hull on 12 Mar 2010