Fort Worth, TX asked in Family Law, Probate, Public Benefits and Social Security for Texas

Q: How do I amend my child's birth certificate to add her deceased father to it ?

My daughter's father passed before she was born. My son receives the social security survivors benefits. Social security told me to get a legal sibling DNA test and to send them the sealed document. They rejected her application because I did not amend her birth certificate. I was told to contact an attorney to get a court order to petition to adjudicate parentage and then take that to Texas vitals and get her birth certificate amended. How do I do this process and do I need an attorney or can I just go to the court and file it myself?

1 Lawyer Answer
Robert W. Leonard Jr.
Robert W. Leonard Jr.
Answered
  • Probate Lawyer
  • Fort Worth, TX
  • Licensed in Texas

A: You can review the information provided at the Texas Department of State Health Services, VItal Statistics division to review the process. Here is the link:

https://dshs.texas.gov/vs/reqproc/amendparentage.shtm

Since you will need a court order, it would be best if you contact a local family law attorney to assist you. You want to make sure it is done properly.

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