Q: I was granted an order giving me access to all documents pertaining to my adoption proceedings.
I have all identifying documents pertaining to my adoption file except for my original birth certificate. I was adopted by my stepfather. It was not in the file so I had to request it from the Bureau of Vital Statistics here in Florida. I mailed the court order along with the appropriate fees. I was told by the person in charge that I would not be given my original birth certificate with my fathers name on it. I nor anyone else Ive contacted knows where my biological father died therefore I cannot obtain a death certificate. Ive searched several states but to no avail. I need my birth certificate without the redaction of my fathers name due to a probate case in California where I have to prove I am related to a decedent. I was told by the same person that no court order will make her release my birth certificate, unedited. It is unfair and unreasonable to deny me the birth certificate. By defying the court order, isnt this individual in contempt of court? What should my next step be?
A: No, unless the Bureau of Vital Statistics is made a party to the case (or at least to the motion), it is not in contempt of court to refuse the order.
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
