Can a birth certificate be changed?

**sunnysideup** · 05-06-2006, 07:11 PM

I don't know if anyone can help with this question, but does anyone know if it is possible to change the name of the father on a birth certificate? DH was adopted by his stepfather when he was two and we found his birth father last year.

His birth father gave up his parental rights in hopes DH would have a normal life without his mother using him to cause trouble and to stop the fighting. DH now has a great relationship with his father. DH doesn't have a good relationship with his mother or stepfather and I'm just wondering if anyone knows if its possible to have the stepfather's name removed from the birth certificate and have his birth father added. His birth father was on the first birth certificate when he was born.

I'm sure that all states are different, I'm just curious if anyone has been in a situation like this or known someone who has.

**staceyy** · 05-06-2006, 09:07 PM

I'm sure it can be done. I recently helped someone add their parents name to the birth certificate. You'll need to start with your local vital records office. Call and present the question to them. If its possible, they'll tell you what steps you need to take.

**bamamomto4** · 05-06-2006, 09:41 PM

I would think the stepfather would have to give up his rights and the birth father adopt his son......I would seek legal advise.

**Kimberlina** · 05-06-2006, 10:17 PM

Since your DH is an adult, I would assume that he would like this done as a symbolic way of showing his bond with his father, as his birth certificate won't do much more than help him legally obtain employment or get a passport. So, if you find it will be difficult or impossible to change it, maybe you oculd come up with some other symbolic or ceremonial way to celebrate their relationship. Maybe celebrate an unofficial "unadoption."

**Jerseygirl** · 05-07-2006, 07:11 AM

Sticky due to inheritence etc. I know in NJ when you adopt you have the legal right to change the birth certificate (I don't understand the idea-you are given birth to by whom you are given birth to, but o.k.) but I have never heard of an adult going back and changing it. I guess if he took the stand of wanting it to be the real document, an honest account of his genetic make-up, they shouldn't argue it.

**sunnysideup** · 05-07-2006, 07:31 AM

Originally Posted by Jerseygirl

Sticky due to inheritence etc. I know in NJ when you adopt you have the legal right to change the birth certificate (I don't understand the idea-you are given birth to by whom you are given birth to, but o.k.) but I have never heard of an adult going back and changing it. I guess if he took the stand of wanting it to be the real document, an honest account of his genetic make-up, they shouldn't argue it.

This is what I have the main problem with, I figure that a birth certificate should reflect the biological parents. He always knew his stepfather wasn't his real dad. He and I have talked about this and if its going to be too big of a deal then we will leave it alone, but it would be nice if the records could reflect the right people as to who gave birth to him. I'm really into genealogy and I've been thinking about the record change on that level, what if generations down the line look for his records and get really confused? I know I would. But in any event, if its too hard to change or if his mother would need to sign anything (I know she wouldn't) then we will leave it alone.

**YankeeMom** · 05-07-2006, 07:53 AM

I didn't know a birth certificate could have anything other than the birth parents on it. I know here in NY, if you are unmarried and want the birth father's name on the bc, either the birth father signs an affidavit that he is the father or a paternity test is done. You can't change a birth cert (here in NY) without a paternity test.

**Kimberlina** · 05-07-2006, 08:33 PM

Originally Posted by YankeeMom

I didn't know a birth certificate could have anything other than the birth parents on it. I know here in NY, if you are unmarried and want the birth father's name on the bc, either the birth father signs an affidavit that he is the father or a paternity test is done. You can't change a birth cert (here in NY) without a paternity test.

I'm in NY, too (not too far, IIRC.) Anyway, my best friend is adopted and learned that there are TWO copies of her birth certificate on file with the state. She learned who her birth parents are when a not-so-clever vital records clerk asked her which copy she wanted. She knew she was adopted, but had NO IDEA that her adoptive aunt and uncle were her bio parents.

Anyway, I wonder if all states keep a copy of the original, as well. Makes sense. Maybe, SSU, your husband could get a copy of that one. If not, how about someone writing up the story of your husband's father being very selfless and doing what he felt was best for his son, and including that with the birth cert. in any family history you do?

We will face a similar problem with DD someday- we don't have any contact with DH's father- his step-father is DD's GFather, as far as we are concerned. But is going to make for some curious questions when she gets older.