I would like to know how to get changes made to a birth certificate that has been changed after an adoption.?

Question

I was adopted at the age of 13 and of course i was given a new last name and the parents information was made to look like they had been my birth parents. When i was adopted i was very unhappy about it, there are just some people that should not adopt and i will leave it at that. I was with my birth mother till the age of 10 and reunited with her at the age of 17, i understand her reasons for what she did and we have been real close for the past 10 years. I never liked that my information was changed and would like to know if there is any legal way to change it back to how it should be originally. I had a daughter 8 months ago and my husband and i have her birth certificate. Seeing it makes me think about mine, and how all the changes to it make it seem so fake to me. Any suggestions? Thanks.

Answer 1

it can be done, I would ask a lawyer's advice on just how

Answer 2

Under certain conditions (such as a name change or a gender change,) you are able to make changes to your amended (post-adoption) birth certificate.  You can check with the Department of Vital Statistics or County Recorder in your locale to find out more.  You won't be able to change the name of your parents on it, however.  

The only way to get a legal birth certificate that has your first mom's name on it is to have her adopt you back.  Most states have simple means of allowing adults to adopt other adults.

You cannot make changes to your original (pre-adoption) birth certificate, even if you have access to it, as it is not your legal birth certificate.

Julies' response is right target.

Answer 3

I had to correct a birth certificate once, so I know what is required (at least in one state).  

You need to get a copy of your original birth certificate, and hopefully your birth mother has a copy of this.  

When I had to make corrections, I had to provide 2 or 3 documents proving the correct information that should have been on the birth certificate.  I think that a letter from your mother stating that you are her birth child, and having her signature notarized by a licensed notary would help.  A copy of your original birth certificate would help.  

You might be able to get the state to correct the birth certificate back, or you might need to go to court to do this, but first try to do a corrected birth certificate with the state.  Start by writing them and telling them you need your birth certificate corrected and ask them to send you a written note informing you what they require of you in order to make a correction.

As to some people should not adopt... I agree... been there... but I still have not been able to find my blood relatives.  Congratulations on re-establishing your relationship with your birth mother.

cw

Answer 4

Hi Hailey,

Yes, many adoptees do consider their amended birth certificate to be a forged document.  It may be legal, but adoptees know it contains lies pertaining to the actual facts of their birth as it really happened.  Unfortunately, if this was an American adoption, you are not currently legally entitled to change your birth certificate back to the true facts.  In fact, you are not even legally allowed to SEE a copy of your original one if you are from one of 44 states that still permanently seal original birth records from adult adoptees!  (It does not even matter if your natural parents give permission.  The government has already decided on behalf of all adoptees that natural families need permanent protection from each other.)

Yes, this practice is archaic and unfair.  That is why many people are currently working to rectify laws in the states that still discriminate against adult adoptees.  It's a shame that the person to whom it matters the most, the adoptee, has no say in this.  Also, many mothers do not realize the long lasting consequences to their children when they have step parents adopt the kids.  

Since you are an adult now, a different way you could go is to give consent for your mother to legally adopt you.  Then a new amended birth certificate will be prepared that will reflect that new change.  That would terminate your legal connection to the adoptive family, and you do not need their permission to do so.  If you want to go that route, it is a simple matter of consulting a family law attorney.  No homestudies, etc.

Sorry again.  I'm in the same boat with thousands of other adoptees, so we all know how you feel.  If you would like to get involved to help make legal changes, see the links below.  

julie j

reunited adoptee