If a person making a Last Will & Testament wishes to include ANYONE in a Will, the maker of the Will should list that person specifically as a beneficiary — even a child, step-child or adopted child.
Listing a person by name in a Last Will and Testament clears up any potential confusion that could arise.
Absent being listed by name in a Will, no child has an absolute right to the property of the estate. However, a child may share in the estate of a parent if no Last Will & Testament exists at all, depending upon state law and the decisions of the probate court.
To easily create a Will that allows for specific gifting provisions (for less than $15!), see Standard Legal’s Last Will and Testament legal forms software page.