Legal Question in Family Law in California
Changing Father's Name on Birth Certificate
How do I go about changing the father's name on my 16-year-old son's California birth certificate (per DNA paternity tests? Man listed has had no contact with child since birth; I later married bio father, and we now live in Arizona. Can I file papers myself? And if so, which ones? If pro help required, must they be licensed in California? Must we appear in California courts? Must father listed be contacted before (rather than after)? Thank you for any and all help you can offer. Have a great weekend!
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Changing Father's Name on Birth Certificate
In order to change the Birth Certificate, you can file documents here in Arizona, so long as the children have lived here more than six months. Since you are married to the bio-Father, it should be very simple. You can file without an attorney, or we could of course help you. You literally could have Paternity Ordes, and an Order to Amend the Birth Certificate in just a few days.
No appearance is required in California, as California would have nothing to do with it, (so long as there were never any Orders sought against the person listed).
Also, I am note sure any contact is necessary with the person listed (again, so long as there were never Paternity orders sought against him).
Please contact me directly if you desire my assistance in this matter.
Rich J. Peters, Attorney. ([email protected])
www.familylawaz.com