Seems like this statute would have applied, if only we had competent legal representation.
http://codes.findlaw.com/ca/probate-code/prob-sect-6454.html
For the purpose of determining intestate succession by a person or the person’s issue from or through a foster parent or stepparent, the relationship of parent and child exists between that person and the person’s foster parent or stepparent if both of the following requirements are satisfied: (a) The relationship began during the person’s minority and continued throughout the joint lifetimes of the person and the person’s foster parent or stepparent. (b) It is established by clear and convincing evidence that the foster parent or stepparent would have adopted the person but for a legal barrier.
– See more at: http://codes.findlaw.com/ca/probate-code/prob-sect-6454.html#sthash.ysZ74J4E.dpuf