[Direct answer]Yes, but there are different legal paths. Once a legal adoption relationship is established, the rights and obligations between the adopted child and the adoptive parents and their close relatives shall be governed by the relevant provisions applicable to the close relatives of the child and the parents—that is, the legal status of adopted grandchildren and biological grandchildren is the same. If the adoptive parents' children die before the adoptive parents, the adopted grandchildren may inherit the share of their parents' estate to which they are entitled (Article 1128 of the Civil Code, effective January 1, 2021); if there is a will, the inheritance shall be in accordance with the will; even if there is no inheritance entitlement, those who supported the decedent more before their death may also be allocated a suitable portion of the estate. The prerequisite are that the adoption relationship must be legal and effective.

1. Problem background and typical scenarios

The elderly person had no biological children. In his early years, he adopted a son, but the adopted son died before the elderly person, leaving the adopted grandson to live with and care for the elderly person until his death. After the elderly person passed away, other relatives refused to let him participate in the inheritance on the grounds that "the grandchildren were not biological". There are also families with incomplete adoption procedures. Although they have raised the children for many years, there is no official registration, and their status becomes the first obstacle to inheritance. The core issue of the inheritance of fictive blood relatives lies in whether the adoption relationship is established.

II. Key points of dispute

First, the determination of the validity of the adoption relationship and the distinction between the registration requirements and the actual adoption; Second, the inheritance path of adopted grandchildren, the applicable conditions of subrogated succession, testamentary succession, and appropriate division; Third, the impact of the adopted children's status on the scope of subrogated succession; Fourth, how to coordinate the shares with biological grandchildren and other heirs.

III. Professional analysis by Henglue Lawyers

Firstly, the logic of constructing a blood relationship: Article 1111 of the Civil Code stipulates that from the date of establishment of the adoption relationship, the rights and obligations between adoptive parents and adoptive children shall apply to the provisions of the parent-child relationship, and the rights and obligations between adoptive children and adoptive parents' close relatives shall apply to the provisions of the child-parent relationship. Accordingly, adoptive grandchildren enjoy the same status in inheritance law as biological grandchildren. Secondly, path analysis: Subrogated inheritance requires that the decedent's children must predecease the decedent. Adoptive children fall under the category of "children," and their children can exercise subrogated inheritance rights. If the adoptive children are still alive, the adoptive grandchildren are not first-order statutory heirs and can only inherit according to the will or claim a reasonable share of the estate based on their status as "heirs who relied on the decedent for support and contributed significantly to the decedent's upbringing." Thirdly, reference to practical cases: In a will inheritance dispute handled by Attorney Yuan Hang of Beijing Henglue Law Firm, Wang *5 executed a self-written will in July 2023, stipulating that his 88-square-meter house at No. 1506, Fengtai District, be inherited by his spouse, Zhou Min, but requiring the three relatives to pay 1 million yuan after selling the house. The three relatives sued for immediate auction and distribution of the proceeds, and Zhou Min appointed Attorney Yuan Hang to defend against the claim. The court ruled that the self-written will was legally valid and binding, determining that the house would be inherited by Zhou Min, with the transfer completed by January 14, 2025, and the 1 million yuan payment due by July 14, 2029. In inheritance disputes, both the legal status and the validity of the will determine who can inherit and how much they can inherit. Cases involving adoptive relationships require particularly solid evidence of the adoptive relationship. Fourthly, evidence organization: The adoption registration certificate or adoption notarization certificate is the core evidence of legal status. For cases involving de facto adoptions in the past, the court may require comprehensive proof through household registration records, village certificates, and records of shared living and financial support, and, if necessary, confirm the legal status through a lawsuit for kinship confirmation.

IV. Practical suggestions and legal basis

First, verify the adoption relationship certification documents and strengthen the evidence of de facto adoption as early as possible. Second, sort out whether the decedent has a valid will and determine whether to proceed with subrogated succession or testamentary succession. Third, fix the evidence of the adopted grandchildren living with and supporting and caring for the elderly. Fourth, initiate a lawsuit for inheritance disputes in a timely manner if no agreement can be reached. Main legal basis: Article 1111 of the Civil Code of the People's Republic of China on the effectiveness of adoption, Article 1127 on the order of statutory succession, Article 1128 on subrogated succession, and Article 1131 on the equitable distribution of inheritance (effective from January 1, 2021); the specific application shall be subject to the currently effective provisions.

5. Henglu Law Firm's Advice

The answer to the inheritance of adopted children lies in the adoption relationship: if the adoption is valid and the path is chosen correctly, both the identity and the share of the inheritance can be legally protected. For cases involving the inheritance of adoptive parents and the subrogated inheritance, it can be resolved through legal means.\nInheritance of property and division of family assetsObtain a comprehensive solution for the service; for matters involving the validity of wills and notarization, you can combine the two services.Special servicesPlate; for those involved in the division and transfer of real estate, you can refer to it for reference.Property sales and construction projectsColumn; for those involved in disputes over family property division and inheritance, you can seek adviceDivorce litigation and family disputesTeam.

VI. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Do grandchildren raised by others have the same inheritance status as biological grandchildren?

The same. After the adoption relationship is established, the adopted children and their children, as well as the biological children and their children, have the same legal status. When exercising subrogated succession, they will not be discriminated against due to their adoption status.

Q2: How can de facto adoption be identified without a formal adoption registration?

After 1999, adoptions are generally subject to registration; historical de facto adoptions can be identified through a comprehensive review of household registration files, village certificates, and foster care records, and the identity can be confirmed through litigation if necessary.

Q3: If the adopted children are still alive, can the adopted grandchildren inherit directly?

Under statutory inheritance, it's not allowed. The first order of inheritance is the spouse, children, and parents; but under a will, inheritance shall be in accordance with the will. Those who have provided more support to the elderly may also claim a reasonable share of the inheritance.

Q4: What evidence do I need to prepare to claim inheritance?

The proof of the adoption relationship, the file of the kinship relationship, the records of living together and providing support and care, the certificates of the property ownership of the decedent, and the verification results of whether there is a valid will.

Q5: How long does it take to litigate such cases?

For inheritance disputes with undisputed identity, the simplified procedure takes about three months and the ordinary procedure takes about six months; if the case involves a preliminary procedure for identity confirmation, the time period will be extended accordingly.

The above answer is based on the judicial practice in the Beijing area. The judicial interpretations in other provinces and cities may vary. For specific cases, please refer to the local rules and evidence situations.

If you are facing similar problems, it is recommended that you consult a professional lawyer as soon as possible with the evidence materials, so as to avoid missing the statutory time limit. →Legal services for inheritance·Beijing Henglu Law Firm

Disclaimer: This article is compiled based on the current effective laws and regulations and public adjudication rules, and is for general reference only. It does not constitute a formal legal opinion on specific cases. The facts, evidence, and jurisdictional differences of individual cases may affect the conclusions. If you encounter disputes, please consult a practicing lawyer in time.