• By statute in most jurisdictions, an adopted child has the same right of succession to intestate property as a biological child unless the deceased clearly expresses a contrary intention. Jurisdictions differ on whether an adopted child may in addition inherit from his or her biological parents or family. The clear majority view, however, is that upon adoption, a complete severance of rights and obligations occurs and the child forfeits inheritance from all biological relatives.
heir by adoption
A person who has been adopted by (and thus has become an heir to) the deceased.