Whether a step-sister can inherit money from a will depends on the specific circumstances and the laws of the jurisdiction where the will is being administered. In general, inheritance rights are determined based on the legal relationship between the deceased person (the testator) and the potential beneficiary (the step-sister).
Here are some common scenarios:
Intestacy Laws: If the deceased person did not have a valid will, the inheritance would be governed by the intestacy laws of the relevant jurisdiction. Intestacy laws typically prioritize close blood relatives, such as spouses, children, and parents, in the distribution of the estate. Step-siblings are usually not considered direct blood relatives, so they may not inherit under intestacy laws unless there are no closer surviving relatives.
Inclusion in the Will: If the deceased person had a valid will, they could include step-siblings as beneficiaries. In this case, the step-sister would be entitled to inherit the portion of the estate designated to her in the will.
Adoption or Legal Recognition: In some jurisdictions, step-siblings may have inheritance rights if there has been a formal adoption or legal recognition of the step-sister as a dependent or family member.
Specific Legal Provisions: Some jurisdictions may have specific laws that grant inheritance rights to step-siblings, especially if they were financially dependent on the deceased or had a close relationship akin to a biological sibling.
It's essential to consult with a legal professional or estate lawyer to understand the specific laws and regulations governing inheritance in the relevant jurisdiction. They can review the will and advise on whether the step-sister has a valid claim to inherit money from the estate.