Adopted children are treated the same as biological children for purposes of the inheritance laws. Under these laws, any child -- adopted or biological -- may be disinherited as long as it's clear in the disinheriting parent's will that such is his or her intent. Otherwise, the child may qualify as an overlooked heir (called "pretermitted" in legal jargon) who might be able to claim a portion of the parent's estate after death. The key is to be clear about your wishes during life -- and put them in writing.

Learn more about Inheritance Rights.