Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Alabama

I am one of four biological daughters of a man that has passed away who had many acres of land in Northern Alabama. I was also adopted by my stepfather when I was 15 and I currently live in Arizona. I have been in contact with my siblings concerning the Probate and I have repeated requested the contact information for the Probate Lawyer. Below was my siblings response. My question is: is my siblings statement accurate? Am I no longer considered 'next of kin'?

{i wish i could but unfortunately according to our representive when Guy adopted you that changed the way next of kin plays into this. we know that daddy loved you and still considered you his but we have to do what they say.}


Asked on 8/04/10, 6:49 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Dean Stein Harville-Stein Law Offices, LLC

Adoption normally cuts off the rights of the child to inherit from the biological parent. However, there is an exception. The exception is when a step-parent adopts the child, sometimes referred to as the step-parent exception, which allows the child to inherit from the natural parent as well as the step-parent. I think this fits your case. What you need is an attorney to represent you in this matter, while it is still pending in court, not after all is said and done. If the assets are worth enough, you should hire counsel now to further evaluate your matter. You can feel free to call us or someone else. This response is to provide general information, is not legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice to the reader and should not be relied on as such, nor is it intended to create an attorney-client relationship. ALABAMA RULES OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT REQUIRES THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT: "No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers."

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Answered on 8/09/10, 7:23 pm


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