<html xmlns:v="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" xmlns:o="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" xmlns:w="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" xmlns:m="http://schemas.microsoft.com/office/2004/12/omml" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40"><head><meta http-equiv=Content-Type content="text/html; charset=us-ascii"><meta name=Generator content="Microsoft Word 15 (filtered medium)"><style><!--
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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72" style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>HC is the biological child of the decedent. Many years ago (decades), client’s dad was married to a woman who had two minor children (not his). The decedent was in the military and completed some sort of paperwork to be able to bring the step-kids when he was moved. Bear in mind, that is the description of the paperwork I’m getting from client, I have no idea what they’re describing. Dad divorced their mother a long time ago but did apparently still have contact with the step-children. Dad died intestate and now the former step-children are claiming that the “paperwork” he completed to be able to take them with him was actually a legal adoption. Client and her mother (the dad’s former partner, she was with him after the mom of step kids) dispute this. It is my impression that the claim of adoption did not come up until the dad was in bad shape. Does anyone with more knowledge than I have about all things military and/or adoption have any suggestions? Current plan is to proceed as though they are ex step-children and petition for the biological child to be appointed PR with non-intervention powers. I do plan to give notice to the step kids and when they object, as I assume they will, ask them to prove their claim of legal adoption. Anyone have a better idea?<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Susan E. Spuller<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Attorney at Law<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;color:red'>PLEASE NOTE THE NEW OFFICE ADDRESS<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Peterson Spuller, PLLC<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>345 Knechtel Way NE, Suite 102<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Bainbridge Island, WA 98110<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>206.855.9293<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Fax: 206.678.0105<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>The information contained in this email is confidential and may also be attorney-client privileged. The information is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any use, dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this email in error, please immediately notify me by replying to this email and delete the original. Thank you.<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>