Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Arizona

proving childhood for step children

how do step children prove that they are the children of the deceased, if the deceased never had any other children?


Asked on 10/15/07, 9:14 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

James Jenkins Jenkins Law Center PLC

Re: proving childhood for step children

Step children inherit from a deceased only if they are adopted legally with an order of adoption by the court, or if they are specifically named in a trust, will or as a beneficiary in some other instrument. They do not inherit under intestate succession where there is no will. Other heirs described in the law will inherit.

Your question states very little in the way of facts so it is impossible to really give you a complete response. Re-submit with complete facts, or speak to an Arizona estate attorney.

Good luck.

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Answered on 10/15/07, 11:04 pm
James Grissom Law Office of James P. Grissom

Re: proving childhood for step children

Stepchildren are not children of the deceased unless they were legally or EQUITABLY adopted. (If that principle exists in AZ law.)

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Answered on 10/15/07, 9:36 pm


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