Q: My soon to be daughter in law's mother refuses to hand over her birth certificate. She was born in a different state.

A: She should be able to get a copy of her birth certificate from the county health department where she was born Birth certificates are public records. She may have to pay a small fee - $5 or so.

A: 1. Obtaining a birth certificate from another state:

- Most states allow individuals to request their own birth certificates online, by mail, or in person at the vital records office.

- She doesn't need her mother's permission to obtain her own birth certificate, as she's now an adult.

2. Steps to obtain a birth certificate:

- Visit the website of the vital records office in the state where she was born.

- Follow the instructions for requesting a certified copy of a birth certificate.

- She may need to provide identification and pay a fee.

3. Alternative documentation:

- While waiting for the birth certificate, she might be able to use alternative documents to apply for health insurance.

- Check with the state health insurance program about acceptable alternatives.

4. Legal assistance:

- If she continues to face difficulties, consider contacting a local legal aid organization for free or low-cost legal advice.

- They may be able to assist with expediting the process or dealing with any complications.

5. Domestic violence support:

- Given the mention of an abusive home, she might benefit from contacting local domestic violence support services for additional resources and assistance.

6. Expedited services:

- Some states offer expedited processing for vital records for an additional fee, which might be worth considering given the urgency of the situation.

Remember, the specific process and requirements can vary by state, so it's important to check the exact procedures for the state where she was born.