My question involves estate proceedings in the state of: California

My uncle died Monday and he only had one child(Sarah)! We have not seen her in over 20 years! We found her Wednesday and we fill his asets should go to the daughter! The problem, we have found that he had married his daughter's mom in 1984 and shortly after went to prison for 10 years and has not had any contact with his child nor his wife! The ethical question is who should get his assets, we fill it should be his daughter, however her mom is saying she is going to take it!
Over the past 20 years the wife has had a child with another man as she has moved on, but is there any way to make sure the daughter gets the assets instead of the abandoned wife? Shouldn't the beneficiary be the daughter?
I would appreciate any help,
Thank you