From Dow Jones & Company:

According to MarketWatch’s The Moneyist, someone who was adopted and unaware of their biological parents cannot typically make a claim on their biological parent’s estate. If someone is put up for adoption and has legal parents, it is unlikely that they have a legal right to make a claim of inheritance. Laws vary by state, but generally a non-marital child may present evidence to show open and notorious acknowledgement such as pictures of themselves with the father.

In the eyes of the law, a child’s legal relationship with their biological parents has been severed. Parents are encouraged to write a will to state what they wish will happen to their estates. Inheritance laws can vary depending on the state and the circumstances of the child’s birth. Overall, when dealing with long-lost relatives seeking financial or emotional benefits, it is crucial to tread carefully to avoid unrealistic expectations, resentment, and disappointment.



Read more: My friend discovered he has a daughter. Does she have a claim on his estate?