Per Stirpes; Can An Illegitimate Son Inherit From My Fathers Estate?
Posted on Fri Sep 18, 2015, on Probate and Estate Administration
From our “Ask a Question” Mailbag: After my father’s death, a man arrived claiming to be my father’s illegitimate son. The will says that my father’s estate is divided between his heirs, “per stirpes.” Can this man get a share of the estate?
Per Stirpes
The phrase “per stirpes” literally means “by the branch”; distributing an estate equally down the bloodline. So, if your father did not exclude this man and if he is truly your father’s son, then he gets a share of the estate. The estate can demand that he take a DNA test to prove he is your father’s son. This is possible by using your blood and that of your siblings. However, this may require a Petition and order from the Orphans’ Court. Therefore it would be wise for the Personal Representative to retain an experienced Estate Litigation Attorney.
If you have any other questions about Probate, feel free to contact our office for a free consultation with one of our Pennsylvania Probate Attorneys.
Wills, Trusts and Probate, and Estate Litigation it’s all we do!
Tags:
Inherit, Inheritance, Probate, Wills
