Legal Question in Family Law in California
My brother just died intestate. His children we think were adopted by their stepfather. The stepfather says he can't remember, the ex-wife/mother is deceased. My brother never had to pay child support and I believe was removed of his parental responsibilities in the divorce - since he never saw the boys of participated with them. How do we find out what county in CA (we think Southern CA) the adoption might have taken place in? Are there State records or do we have to ask a judge in each county to look? If the boys were adopted do they inherit? If not do I as the only living relative other than them? Thanks Jean
2 Answers from Attorneys
If there was an adoption it would have had to be in the county the stepfather lived in at the time. That should narrow it down a lot, but you do have to look county by county. You don't have to ask a judge. The county clerk/recorder's office is the place to go. There are services that do this kind of search, as well.
If the boys were adopted, they are no longer heirs of your brother. If he died unmarried with no other children, your parents are deceased, and you have no living brothers or sisters, you are in line as the heir if the kids were adopted. If not, they are the intestate heirs.
I would be able to do ther required search on your behalf. Who is the executor? Contact me directly.
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