I am my father's next of kin and was in his life as his daughter the last 15 yrs. His cousins are claiming next of kin because I was adopted...

Question

I am my father's next of kin and was in his life as his daughter the last 15 yrs. His cousins are claiming next of kin because I was adopted out. They were not in his life. His belongings value less than $15,000. There is no will and he resided in CA. I can prove he was my natural dad and accepted me as his daughter. How do I get recognized as next of kin and prevent the family he disliked from doing so? They have been threatening to me and I could use some guidance.

Answer

I regret to say that your biological father is not your father for legal purposes, including who gets to inherit his estate as he died without a will, as you were adopted by other parents. If your father had made a will, he could have left his estate to you.