The Georgia Supreme Court today ruled against a daughter born out of wedlock who felt entilted to part of her father’s will.

The father left his inheritance to his two lawful children, which did not include the woman who brought the suit.

The court voted 5 to 2 against the daughter’s claim, ruling that under old Georgia law, illegitimate children are not “lawful.”

Justice Hugh Thompson, who dissented against the majority vote, wrote that the decision takes a “giant step backwards” in the development of biological children’s rights.

The ruling goes against general legal precedent in the state, wherein most children born outside of marriage have been recognized legally. This precedent may be changed following the court’s ruling.

For more information about estate law, contact the Houston estate planning lawyers of Garg & Associates, P.C., at 281-210-0010.