I am wondering if someone can help me with a few questions before I contact a lawyer.
I have been estranged from my biological father since I was very young, around 2 years old. My mother has also no contact with him during this period and has since remarried. I am now in my mid thirties, married, and with a baby on the way.
There are certain things I know about my biological fathers life. He was and is still married with four children when he had an affair with my mother and conceived me. I guess, it was the eighties. I know that up until recently, none of my half siblings were aware of my existence or the extramarital affair our biological father was having. I am still not sure whether or not his wife knows about the affair, and if she does, whether she is aware of my existence. I know his name, address and phone number, what he did for a living. That's about it.
Since I was young I have felt deep shame about the situation regarding my birth, even though it was something beyond my control. I otherwise had a very happy childhood, albeit with a missing father.
My consideration now is whether I have a claim to my biological fathers estate when he dies, and how this could play out with consideration to his immediate family. Here are my questions:
- What claim, if any, may I have to his estate when he passes away? I certainly would not be in his will.
- If he dies before his wife, and leaves his estate to her, would I be able to dispute it?
- How will I even know when this happens? I currently have no contact with him.
I should add that I have a DNA which test which confirms the paternal relationship. This is a test that will hold up in court.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
I have been estranged from my biological father since I was very young, around 2 years old. My mother has also no contact with him during this period and has since remarried. I am now in my mid thirties, married, and with a baby on the way.
There are certain things I know about my biological fathers life. He was and is still married with four children when he had an affair with my mother and conceived me. I guess, it was the eighties. I know that up until recently, none of my half siblings were aware of my existence or the extramarital affair our biological father was having. I am still not sure whether or not his wife knows about the affair, and if she does, whether she is aware of my existence. I know his name, address and phone number, what he did for a living. That's about it.
Since I was young I have felt deep shame about the situation regarding my birth, even though it was something beyond my control. I otherwise had a very happy childhood, albeit with a missing father.
My consideration now is whether I have a claim to my biological fathers estate when he dies, and how this could play out with consideration to his immediate family. Here are my questions:
- What claim, if any, may I have to his estate when he passes away? I certainly would not be in his will.
- If he dies before his wife, and leaves his estate to her, would I be able to dispute it?
- How will I even know when this happens? I currently have no contact with him.
I should add that I have a DNA which test which confirms the paternal relationship. This is a test that will hold up in court.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
