Why Your Client's Relationship with Their Parents and Children Is Important
Your client's relationship with their parents and with their own children is important for several
reasons, including developing an effective estate plan. Simply maintaining a loving relationship
with a parent does not necessarily guarantee inheritance rights. A legal right to inherit depends
largely on the legal relationship between a child and that child's parent, the existence of a valid
estate plan, or if no estate plan exists, the applicable laws of intestacy in a given jurisdiction.
Generally, children can inherit from their parents whether their parents are biological or
adoptive, but in most jurisdictions, there is no legal right for a child to inherit unless they are a
minor or it can be shown that they were accidentally left out of a parent's estate plan. In some
jurisdictions, if there is no estate plan, a child may be entitled to a percentage of the parent's
estate.1
Any discussion with your client about estate planning concerns should include a review of the
legal relationship between parents and children. In what manner is your client a "child" of their
parents? Are your client's children their biological children? Or are they legally adopted? Are
they stepchildren? Or is their relationship something else altogether?
When it comes to a child's legal ability to inherit from parents, there is no difference between
adopted children and biological children - they are considered equal in the eyes of the law.
However, situations involving stepchildren or presumed parents can be more complicated.
Stepparents. A stepparent is typically someone who is married to or in a civil partnership with
one of the biological parents of a child. With few exceptions, stepparents have no legal
obligation to provide any legacy to a stepchild or stepchildren. And unless they were legally
adopted, stepchildren have no legal right to expect an inheritance from their stepparent.2 The
ability of stepchildren to inherit from stepparents can depend on the laws of the jurisdiction
where the parents are located and that jurisdiction's laws of intestacy. Stepparents can choose
to provide for stepchildren in their estate plan, and in that case, the stepchildren would benefit in
the same manner as any other beneficiary. If a stepchild is included in a stepparent's estate
plan under their will or trust, that stepchild can inherit money or property in the same manner as
your client's biological or adopted children under the same instrument. However, if there is no
provision made for stepchildren under your client's estate plan, they will likely not be entitled to
any share of your client's estate.
Presumed parents. In some cases, a person may be considered a presumed parent, which
means that they are legally recognized as the parent of a child, even if they are not the
biological or adoptive parent. Legal recognition for presumed parents is based on public policy
that certain individuals should be treated as parents because of their relationship with a child
and the role they assume in that child's life.
The criteria for being a presumed parent can vary by jurisdiction, but they often include the
following3:
(1) Biological connection. In some jurisdictions, a person who is the biological parent of a child
is automatically considered a presumed parent, regardless of their marital or relationship
status.
(2) Birth or adoptive parent. A person who has legally adopted the child (with their consent) or
given birth to the child is considered a presumed parent.
(3) Marriage or domestic partnership. If a person is married to or in a legally recognized
domestic partnership with the child's biological or adoptive parent at the time of the child's
birth or conception, they may be presumed to be a parent.
(4) Intent to parent. If an individual openly and actively takes on the role of a parent and
demonstrates their intent to parent the child, they may be considered a presumed parent.
This can include factors such as receiving the child into their home, providing financial
support, making important decisions regarding the child's upbringing, and establishing a
parent-child relationship.
(5) Length of time and stability. The length of time the person has been involved in the child's
life and the stability of their relationship with the child may be considered when determining
presumed parenthood.
The relationship between a parent and child can take many forms. It is therefore important that
you discuss with your clients the need to have an estate plan that clearly identifies their
intended beneficiaries and the legal relationship of those beneficiaries to your client. Your
discussion should also examine relationships with any individuals who may not be immediate or
obvious family members. Your client will appreciate your thoroughness, and you can rest
assured that your client's wishes regarding inheritance will be clear and properly documented so
they can be legally enforced.
MEREDITH | PC
4325 Windsor Centre Trail
Suite 400
Flower Mound Texas 75028
214-513-1013
This newsletter is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be construed as written advice about a Federal tax matter. Readers should consult with their own professional advisors to evaluate or pursue tax, accounting, financial, or legal planning strategies.
You have received this newsletter because I believe you will find its content valuable. Please feel free to Contact Me if you have any questions about this or any matters relating to estate planning.
