Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Iowa
My parents divorsed when I was 5. When I was 8 my dad remarried and adopted a baby with my step mother. If there are NO legal arrangments in place and my dad passes away before my step mother will all of the assets go to my adopted brother when my step mother passes?
Asked on 9/15/09, 5:49 pm
1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert Luedeman
solo practitioner
If your father were to die intestate the widow would be entitled to half the estate, the other half to be divided among any surviving heirs including you. An adopted child has the same legal rights as a natural child. If your stepmother never adopted you, then you have no rights in any of her estate.
Answered on 9/15/09, 11:57 pm