If you have
step-children and you want them to inherit, you must state those wishes in your
Will. If you don't, then only your blood relatives and adopted children will
inherit.
If you die without a
valid Will (intestacy), your estate will pass to your spouse, and if there is
no surviving spouse, then it passes to your children (natural and adopted) in equal shares. But under
the laws of intestate succession, there is no provision for step-children to
inherit.
A Will can help ensure that all of your children--including step-children--will receive from your estate. In addition, you can nominate guardians and conservators in the Will, to be responsible for your children and their inheritances, in the event both parents pass away before the children reach the age of 18.
These are just a few more reasons why it is important to have an estate plan, such as a Will. A qualified estate planning attorney can help you develop a plan for your assets and your family.