My biological father died. He terminated his parental rights over 40 yrs ago and I was legally adopted by another man. My biological father left no children, only his 3rd wife. Do I have any legal claim to the estate. And if so, how do I exercise it?

Hello m:

You might. Hire a lawyer.

excon

My biological father died. He terminated his parental rights over 40 yrs ago and I was legally adopted by another man. My biological father left no children, only his 3rd wife. Do I have any legal claim to the estate. And if so, how do I exercise it?


No, adoption cancels your "right" to inherit - check your State Laws but this is a common question. There is also a possibility - because there is a surviving spouse - that if you had NOT been adopted you would not be entitled to inherit.