Q: Good morning, I was wondering if I would have any claim to property in West Virginia if my dad's wife passed away?
Weird situation as I am 39 and just found out that a man that I have known as my godfather whom I've spoken with my whole life was actually my biological father. I'm named after him as well. I found out from my DNA linking in ancestry.com to people with his last name. He passed away 2 years ago and the first year he was gone I called his wife every day for a year and we talk weekly still. I don't have the heart to ever tell her and she talks about leaving me stuff in her will recently but if she passes I want to know if I have legal claim to her house in that state? My mother is still alive. I had this conversation with her and she confirmed his paternity. She would be willing to put it legally on file if need be. Please let me know if I have any options. Thank you for your time. Denise M.
A:
Have her draft a Will. Pay for her legal fee. Drive her there. Sit outside. Smile.
I don’t understand why you are embarrassed to tell your step-mother that her husband was your father when she already confirmed it, but a Will in your favor will be much stronger than an out-of-time claim to inheritance from a dead person who never acknowledged paternity.
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