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eolhc · Nov 10, 2009, 08:19 AM

Hi, I'm 23 years old and I would like to remove my father's name from my birth certificate. My father has not been a part of my life at all. If it is possible I would like to replace his name with my step dad's. So far I know adoption is not an option because of my age but does anyone know another way.

stevetcg · Nov 10, 2009, 08:33 AM

You cannot just remove a name because you do not want it there. Its not 'your' birth certificate. It belongs to the government. They don't much care what you want on there. They want an accurate record.

Sorry.

eolhc · Nov 10, 2009, 08:39 AM

This has nothing to do with simply wanting a name changed, at the moment I am ill and just found out he can make decisions that affect my life if I am unable to, also he would have a right to anything I own should I die, I am just trying to prevent that. My father has done absolutely nothing for me, it is my step dad who has been there for me from age 1, and he is the one I trust to look after me and my affairs.

Synnen · Nov 10, 2009, 08:41 AM

Adult adoptions can and do happen--they're just rarer.

Talk to your step-dad, and then consult with a lawyer. The main reason adult adoptions are done is for inheritance reasons--in this case, the possible inheritance of YOUR estate by your step-father.

If a family law attorney tells you that it's not possible for you, then I highly suggest that you create a will and, if you are terminally ill, a living will, giving your step-dad your power of attorney.

J_9 · Nov 10, 2009, 08:42 AM

If you think that he can make decisions that affect your life, then make out a living will. This will designate who can and cannot make these decisions. Let your doctors know who you want to make decisions as well.

You can't just remove someone from a legal document because you don't want them on there.

Whether your biological father has been there or not... he is legally the father.

stevetcg · Nov 10, 2009, 08:42 AM

A lawyer will be able to draft the necessary documents granting your stepfather the rights he needs should things come to that. Your biological father does not necessarily have control now that you are an adult.

And I'm not sure where you heard, but there is nothing that prevents you from being adopted by your step father now. Adults can be adopted.

eolhc · Nov 10, 2009, 08:43 AM

Thank You

eolhc · Nov 10, 2009, 08:45 AM

We tried the adoption, the lawyer said it wasn't possible because I'm an adult, I guess I will have to try someone else , thanks for your help.

stevetcg · Nov 10, 2009, 08:46 AM

Originally Posted by eolhc

We tried the adoption, the lawyer said it wasn't possible because I'm an adult, I guess I will have to try someone else , thanks for your help.

What state/country do you live in?

ScottGem · Nov 10, 2009, 08:54 AM

Laws vary from area to area. So we need to know what general area you live in to know what law applies.

However, adoption is not the only way. As the others said, at your age, you are an adult who can direct the disposition of your estate and who can care for you. All you need it to prepare a last will and testament and a living will assigning your care to whomever.

Changing your birth certificate is not an option. As Steve said its not "your" birth certificate. It is a government record of your birth. The only way to change the names of your parents on it is via adoption.

stinawords · Nov 10, 2009, 02:03 PM

Here is a little more of the same thing. No, the birth certificate can not be changed so just forget that all together. You do not need to be adopted either. You get ahold of a family attorney and have them draft a living will for you. This will remove any and all power your bio father might have and you can assign whomever you like to take care of your affairs.