Under the doctrine of adoption by estoppel, what may occur regarding inheritance?

The doctrine of adoption by estoppel is a legal principle that allows a child to be treated as a legal heir to an adoptive parent even if a formal adoption process is not completed. This typically arises in situations where a meaningful relationship exists between the child and the adoptive parent, and that parent has acted in a way that indicates the child is a part of their family.

In this context, if legal custody is established for a child, it can serve as a foundation for the child to inherit from the legal guardian or adoptive parent. This occurs because the law recognizes the adoptive parent's responsibilities and the familial bond developed, thereby allowing the child access to the same inheritance rights as biological children.

The other options present scenarios that do not align with the principle of adoption by estoppel. For instance, inheriting from biological parents does not pertain to the adoption status. Similarly, while a child may have a stepparent, that relationship does not guarantee an inheritance unless specific legal or familial bonds are established. Lastly, the assertion that a child may only inherit after turning 18 disregards the immediate inheritance rights that can be conferred upon children, regardless of their age, through the doctrine in question.