Legal Question in Family Law in Florida

Paternity

I am 40 years of age. My natural mother passed away when I was ten. The man who raised my I just found out was not my natural father, he passed away 5 years ago. I just found out who my natural father was and that he resides in Florida. According to my mothers relatives he was aware of her being pregnant with me. Supposedly there were financial and social reasons why his family would not allow him, my natural father to marry my mother. They were 18 at the time. The man who raised me married my mother 5 months before I was born. My understanding is my natural father comes from a family of multimillionares and has had no children. At the risk of sounding terrible my question is simple. Am I or my two boys, his grandchildren so to speak, entitled to any future claim on his estate? Also would it be possible if it came to it to have a court ordered paternity test done? My relatives say we are a mirror image of each other when you compare school albums up to my age now. Your responses is appreciated as I will be in Florida on business in February, and need to know if legal counsel will be needed.


Asked on 1/02/01, 3:27 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Melody Stickel-Martinez Melody Stickel-Martinez, Esq.

Re: Paternity

If the man who raised you, legally adopted you, then you no longer have any legal right to inheritance from your biological father. You didn't discuss this but I wanted to mention it. If your biological father passes away without a Will and you were not adopted then you would be entitled to a portion of his estate. However, if he leaves a Will and excludes you then there is not much that you can do.

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Answered on 1/05/01, 10:32 am


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