Changes in society have brought about changes in the legal definition of children. In the past, “children” were legally only defined as legitimate children born through a marriage. Today, the legal parameters of the word “children” include legitimate, illegitimate children (born outside of marriage), and adopted children. Adopted children are the legal responsibility of the adoptive parents. Legal connections to natural parents become severed upon signing of the adoption order. Stepchildren are also not legally considered children unless they are legally adopted by the stepparent. Intestacy rules, or rules regarding the distribution of assets upon the death of a person, go into effect with certain restrictions and stipulations that can have a negative effect on the inheritance rights of children if a will is not established by the parent and the proper legal ties are not established. This can cause issues in the case of a blended family situation where minor stepchildren are involved. Other situations, such as a parent getting remarried after the death of a spouse, can have an impact on the inheritance provided for minor children if provisions are not stipulated in a will.