Will a stepson inherit from his stepfather?

Q: If a couple marries and the wife has a son that is 3 years old from her first marriage. The child has no contact with the bilogoical father and was brought up by the husband as his own child. The couple then have 2 children, a boy and girl, so 3 children in total. How would one distribute the wealth of the husband once he passes away.

A: The wife's child is not an heir of his stepfather and thus will not inherit from him. However, if the stepfather wishes, he may make a bequest for him from one third of his estate.   

And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.

 

Answered by:

Mufti Zakaria Makada

Checked & Approved:

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)

Category: