Legal questions answered by Mike Corrigan of Farleys Solicitors LLP.
Q. I placed a baby for adoption nearly 30 years ago.
This son has successfully traced me and we are to meet soon.
Is he eligible to claim from my estate when I die?
I have no other children and he remains legally adopted.
A. Your son has no claim on your estate. Adoption severs the blood tie in law, so the child will not be considered to be yours.
Instead, under the Adoption Act 1976, he will be considered the son and heir of the adoptive couple.
He could only develop a claim on your estate if you were giving him regular sums of money at the time of your death.
If you have a legal problem Farleys have offices in: Blackburn 01254 606000; Accrington 01254 606600; Burnley 01282 718000; Manchester 0161 8359513 Free Saturday Surgery at Blackburn 9.30 to noon.
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