Juneau, AK asked in Family Law for California

Q: Who can get my sonʼs birth certificate for me from the Norwalk LA County Clerk, and send it to me overnight in Alaska?

Iʼve tried all the ways, and people and systems have all fallen through. We are leaving the country on Wednesday of next week, and have an appointment to get his passport that day. I need his birth certificate no later than Tuesday, 3/12.

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1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered
  • Sacramento, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: Under California law, obtaining a birth certificate from the Norwalk LA County Clerk's office can be done by certain individuals who have a legitimate interest. Generally, this includes the person named on the birth certificate (if they are 18 years or older), their parent or legal guardian, a legal representative, or a member of law enforcement acting within their official capacities. For your situation, since you are seeking your son's birth certificate, you are eligible to request it.

You can authorize someone else to obtain the birth certificate on your behalf. This could be a family member, friend, or a professional courier who deals with document retrieval and delivery. It's important that you provide this person with a signed letter of authorization, detailing your request and their relationship to you, along with any other required identification and forms requested by the county clerk's office. The specifics of what needs to be included in this authorization can vary, so it's crucial to check the LA County Clerk's website or contact them directly for detailed instructions.

Given your tight timeframe and the need for overnight delivery to Alaska, utilizing a professional courier service that offers expedited document retrieval and overnight shipping might be your best option. These services are experienced in handling urgent document requests and understand the procedures for quick turnaround. Ensure the service you choose is reputable and has experience with the Los Angeles County Clerk's office to increase the likelihood of a smooth and swift transaction. Time is of the essence, so initiating this process as soon as possible is advisable to meet your deadline.

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