[kimbower29]

Hi,

I'm 29 years old and my birth was the result of an affair. My father had an affair with his wife's sister. My mother passed away when I was 10 years old and my father and his wife took care of me. My father is currently dying of cancer and now after all these years the rest of the family are questioning paternity, because my father wants to leave what he has to me. They have demanded that I go for blood tests to prove paternity. I want to know do I have to go , what are my legal rights regarding his will.
Your assistance is appreciated.

Regards,

Kim

[stevetcg]

You are the legal child of your father, regardless of paternity. In addition, he can will his money to whomever he chooses regardless of paternity.

Tell the rest of the family to screw.

[ScottGem]

No you do not have to take a test unless one is ordered by a court. Nor do you have to be a blodd relative to inherit as part of a will. If your father mentions you in his will, then he has that right, whether you are his biological offspring or not.

Now, it is possible that, if he were fooled into thinking that you were his child, HE might decide to change his will. But then HE would be the one requesting the test.

However, if there are other relatives, they could challenge the will after he dies and get a court to order a paternity test. So I would suggest to your father that he add a provision to the will that leaves any bequest to you regardless of biological relationship.