How kind, Erik: I am humbled. Thank you. I do hope this query by Janet is answered with some measure of evidence and citation, since the question is important to any serious researcher. I have been wrong many times in life, and if I am again, I surely want to publicly admit of my error. So, until shown otherwise, it remains my belief that if I die testate and leave any of my assets to "my surviving children", and if I have previously formally recognized a illegitimate child as my own, or some court has established my paternity, that child will be included within that category stated in my will - "my surviving children". Paul ----- Original Message ----- From: [log in to unmask] To: [log in to unmask] Sent: Wednesday, January 28, 2004 8:50 PM Subject: Re: Illegitimacy and Inheritances 1700s I have never known Paul Drake to be wrong on anything he says...so much for the sugar- coating, but we want to surround ourselves with competent and able and helpful folk. To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-roots.html