Comments on: Belated Paternity Inclusion

Question: Belated Paternity Inclusion

Phalene — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 09:13:05 -0800

Can I get my birth certificate changed to list my father?

At the time of my birth, my mother chose to list my father as 'undeclared'. I later tracked him down, and have a DNA test to prove the relationship. I would like to change my mono-parent status under law. I'm an adult, and well past the point when I have anything to gain by it legally, but I want to get my Canadian (Quebec) birth certificate altered to include him instead of just a mystery.

By: uaudio

uaudio — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 10:03:55 -0800

your canadian mileage may vary, but in the U.S. it depends on how cooperative the parent is.

with a cooperative parent you need him to sign some sort of acknowledgment form, and both parents to sign the new birth certificate application. (all notarized)

with an uncooperative parent, you need a court order of paternity and one parent's signature on the application.

By: acoutu

acoutu — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 10:10:02 -0800

Email the Province of Quebec's birth certificate department. (Directeur de l'etate civil) Ask them if they permit you to amend a birth certificate to show now proven paternity. Tell them your birth certificate currently shows unstated paternity. You'll probably need a joint request form, affadavit or declaration of paternity form. You will most likely need this to be witnessed and notarized. It may be expensive, depending on your budget.

By: katemonster

katemonster — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 10:35:54 -0800

This page at Educaloi gives some information about filiation and legally changing/amending it. It's written from the point of view of the parent wishing to establish filiation, but it may help you figure out what the steps are.

By: Phalene

Phalene — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 11:18:56 -0800

Follow up:

I think he's willing to scribble on paperwork, but I think getting my mother to sign anything would be pulling teeth. I may have to wait a bit longer with this because I don't want to give my somewhat insecure mother they impression I'm rejecting her by wanting to include him. However, the information suggests my stepfather has a stronger legal standing, no matter what I think of the situation. Booooooo! :(

By: acoutu

acoutu — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 11:33:03 -0800

I'd still email Quebec to ask for details. You might be pleasantly surprised, for example.