Minneapolis, MN asked in Family Law, Estate Planning and Probate for Minnesota

Q: Do I have any rights my father just passed away if my last name on my birth certificate is his last name His name is not

He is not my biological father. He was going to adopt me. But my biological father said no. I had his last name until I got married. Then I had to change it. He's passed away in my sister is claiming that I don't get half of his Ashes. I don't get nothing. I'm just wondering if I should contact a lawyer or if it's even worth my time to contact one. But like I said, his last name is on my Birth Certificate. Just not his name, only my mother's name.

1 Lawyer Answer
T. Augustus Claus
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Answered

A: In the context of family law in Minnesota, your rights regarding your father's estate may depend on various factors, including whether there was a legally recognized adoption, the presence or absence of a will, and the specific laws governing inheritance in the state. If your father had legally adopted you, you may have rights as his adopted child, even if you later changed your last name. However, if the adoption did not occur or was not legally completed, the situation may be different.

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