[WSBAPT] Unknown heir coming into probate

[Timothy Lehr]

All,

I have an intestate probate where two sisters survived dad, who passed away. They vaguely knew of another girl that claimed to be a daughter of dad with a different mom from 30+ years ago. This girl is known drug user and not very communicative. They don't believe she is a blood relative. We had no contact info for the girl but published notice to allow for her to come into the picture if she was legitimate. No word from her.

Now, we're months along in the probate and the two sisters have agreed to distributions of dad's estate. The unknown girl has now presented a birth certificate with dad's name on it, but that's it. She hasn't filed anything in the probate but is asking for money. What is the proper process to address this and is a birth certificate all the proof she needs to be determined to be an heir? Is the burden on her to file something in the probate or does PR have a duty to connect with her and determine legitimacy?

This is my first crack at this type of issue and looking for any helpful procedural tips to get started.

Thanks,

Timothy C. Lehr
Attorney & Partner

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e: timothy at stileslaw.com<mailto:timothy at stileslaw.com>
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