In Prince Estate Case, Blood Relation May Be Unnecessary

MINNEAPOLIS  -- A legal wrinkle in Prince's estate case shows you might not have to be a blood relative to inherit some of the late rock superstar's sizable fortune.

No will has surfaced since Prince died in April. His sister and five half-siblings are likely to be declared rightful heirs.

But the judge also must decide whether a purported niece, grandniece and nephew should count as heirs.

They say they're descendants of the late Duane Nelson Sr., Prince's alleged half-brother. Court papers show they may not be Prince's blood relatives. But in Minnesota, someone can at times be considered a parent if they had a familial relationship with a child.

Estate law expert Susan Link says Minnesota statutes don't provide clear guidance.