Q: I adopted my son in 2004 and everything was approved and signed by the judge and then we never got a birth certificate.
Now he is 23 and trying to get a passport and we have ourselves in a pickle and not sure who to talk to. I went to the county building in Hemet CA which is where the adoption took place. What are our choices for resolution at this point. My son said they are telling him it has been too long but we still have copies of the paper work.
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
- California
- (916) 704-3009
- View Profile
- Answered
A:
Since every case can be unique, it's advisable to consult with an attorney or a legal professional who specializes in adoption law for accurate advice.
Here are a few steps you can consider taking to address the issue with your son's missing birth certificate:
Contact the adoption agency or attorney: Reach out to the adoption agency or attorney who handled the adoption in 2004. They may be able to provide assistance or guidance on obtaining the birth certificate. They should have a copy of the adoption records and can help you understand the process.
Contact the county vital records office: In California, birth certificates are typically issued by the County Recorder's Office or the Vital Records Office. Contact the office in the county where the adoption took place (Hemet, in your case) and explain the situation. They may have a process for obtaining a birth certificate for an adopted child.
Consult with an adoption attorney: If the previous steps don't yield satisfactory results, consider consulting with an attorney who specializes in adoption law. They can review your case, advise you on the best course of action, and help navigate any legal complexities.
Gather relevant documents: Make sure to gather all the paperwork you have related to the adoption, including the copies of the adoption paperwork you mentioned. These documents can be useful in demonstrating the legitimacy of the adoption and may be required during the process of obtaining the birth certificate.
Explore alternative options: If all else fails and you're unable to obtain a birth certificate, you might consider alternative documents that can be used as proof of identity. This could include obtaining a court order stating that the birth certificate is missing or applying for a delayed birth certificate.
Remember, the laws and processes surrounding birth certificates and adoptions can vary by jurisdiction, so it's crucial to consult with professionals who are knowledgeable about the specific laws and regulations in California. They will be better equipped to guide you through the appropriate legal steps to resolve this issue.
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.
