Amending birth certificate

[Kristyna]

What is the name of your state? Washington

I'm asking this for my SO.

Years ago "J" was living here in Washington with a woman, "Y" who was legally married to a man in Mexico. Together J and Y had a son. Later, Y was divorced and married J.
There was no father listed on the son's birth certificate.
Now J and Y are divorced and J would like to have his name added as father on his son's birth certificate. What legal steps need to be taken?

Thank you

[Shay-Pari'e]

Are you sure there is no name on the birth certificate? Her husband at the time of birth would be considered the legal father.

Did your son request a paternity test? The fact there is no father listed is rather confusing to me.

[Kristyna]

I just asked to be sure. Name of father is listed as "UNKNOWN".

[Shay-Pari'e]

As I stated....If she was married at the time of birth, the husband is the legal father.

I'm at a loss as to what more to say.

Hopefully someone else can chime in and help you better.

[LdiJ]

Originally Posted by --PARIDISE--

As I stated....If she was married at the time of birth, the husband is the legal father.

I'm at a loss as to what more to say.

Hopefully someone else can chime in and help you better.

That is not an absolute Paradise....it depends on individual state law.

If the birth certificate says unknown, and no court proceedings have taken place, then the child has no legal father.

It may be relatively easy to resolve. All that may be required is the bio-dad signing a paternity affidavit. It may be more complicated than that.

I would advise the parties to get a consult with a local attorney.

[mac105]

PA.
You should contact the county agency in your particular state that houses and maintains the vital records. you should be able to find this in your phone book or contact the courthouse in the county in which the birth took place. My niece did a change on her son's birth certificate recently. Although that took place in California, the 'starting place' to gather information would be the same. The father, who was listed as unknown on the birth certificate, had to fill out and return papers to vital records along with a small fee, and the certificate was amended. Considering the fact that you state there is no father listed, this can very possibly be taken care of through vital records. The advice to contact an attorney is very good, but start by asking questions in the right place for free first. If you can't get answers, or it is complicated to do, by all means, consult an attorney. Good luck.