Legal Question in Family Law in Pennsylvania

I was adopted by my step dad at 5yrs old in PA.my biological dad just recently died has 4 biological children, he left a life insurance in all of our names. He never had a will and owns a home, vehicle etc. Because I was adopted am I entitled to his estate


Asked on 10/13/14, 5:44 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

ANDREA G. TILLIS Law Offices of Andrea G. Tillis

Thank you for your question,

If your biological father's life insurance policy indicated that the proceeds, "are to be paid to all my children", you would not be entitled to share in the proceeds because "adoption" severs all ties between the child and his/her biological parents and other relatives.

On the other hand, if your biological father's insurance policy stated that the proceeds, "are to be paid to my children, 'x', 'y' and 'z', and named you along with the rest of his children, then you would be entitled to share in the life insurance proceeds.

As for the balance of his estate, including his home, vehicles, and any and all other real and personal property, you would not be entitled to share in these estate assets because, as I stated above, adoption severs all of a child's ties with his/her biological parents.

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Answered on 10/14/14, 12:41 am


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