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Tamara81 · May 1, 2011, 08:11 AM

We want to get married in Jamaica. One of the requirements to get married there is that you need a birth certificate with the father's name on it. That area is blank on my birth certificate. I have no idea where to find my father nor do I truly care to find him. So, I guess my question is, is it possible to add a father to the birth certificate without any testing? I am 29 years old and my step father has been in my life for the past 23 years. It would make his world to be able to do something like that for me... but is this something possible? I was born and live in Indiana. Oh, and it is very clear that the person I am going to married is not related to me.. I know that is one of the reason they need a father's name.

AK lawyer · May 1, 2011, 01:17 PM

Originally Posted by Tamara81

We want to get married in Jamaica. One of the requirements to get married there is that you need a birth certificate with the father's name on it. ...

That's what it says at several places online, allright. Seems quite odd. Don't they allow illegitimate children in Jamaica to get married? I would call the Ministry of National Security at 1-876-906-4908 to make sure. It could be that this requirement is only for tourists, and you can make other arrangements if your BC doesn't have a father's name on it.

One solution would be to get legally married in the U.S. and then have a ceremony in Jamacia.

Originally Posted by Tamara81

... I am 29 years old and my step father has been in my life for the past 23 years. It would make his world to be able to do something like that for me... but is this something possible? I was born and live in Indiana. ...

The only way you are going to get a father on your birth certificate is for someone to adopt you. Your step-father can adopt you, but I don't know for sure whether Indiana will change the BC for an adult adoption.

Fr_Chuck · May 1, 2011, 02:48 PM

The step father can "adopt" a adult child much easier than a minor child, but it is still somewhat costly and will take time. So if money and time not a option or problem?
And would he want to do it ?

But I agree seems like a strange law, I would call and check on it.

But as noted, I often do weddings in private for people who do a larger service at some other location