If I was adopted, what aremy legal rights/responsibilities now that my biological father has died?
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If I was adopted, what aremy legal rights/responsibilities now that my biological father has died?
My father recently passed away and now relatives have been trying to get me to sign certain documents. I was adopted 25 years ago and haven’t spoken to my biological father in the same amount of time. Am I legally bound to any of this?
Asked on November 9, 2010 under Estate Planning, New Mexico
Answers:
M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 14 years ago | Contributor
I am sorry for your loss. Generally, adoption terminates parental rights. it also, though, terminates your right to inherit from your biological Father. However, it does not mean that your biological Father could not, if he so chose, leave you money or another form in inheritance in his Last Will and Testament. What are the documents that they want you to sign? Do they include a copy of his Will, if any? I would take them to an attorney in your area to review on your behalf. I would not sign anything until it is clear that you were not left anything by your biological Father. Good luck to you.
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