Amending Birth Certificate After Grandparent Adoption: Understanding the Process

Adoption is a legal process that creates a new, permanent parent-child relationship where one didn’t exist before.

One of the many aspects that come with adoption is the amendment of the child’s birth certificate.

If you’re considering or have gone through the process of grandparent adoption, you might be wondering about the process for amending birth certificate after grandparent adoption.

The quick answer is that a new birthcertificate is created by the state’s Vital Records or Department of Health office, usually upon submission of your proof of adoption and request to update to their office.

This article aims to answer your questions and provide clear, easy-to-understand information on this topic.

Let’s dive right in.

What Happens to Original Birth Certificate After Adoption?

The first question that often arises is what happens to the original birth certificate after adoption?

When a child is adopted, whether by grandparents or any other family members, it’s common practice in most jurisdictions for the original birth certificate to be sealed and a new, amended birth certificate issued.

The amended document typically lists the adoptive parents (in this case, the grandparents) as the child’s legal parents and may also change the child’s birth name to their adoptive name if one is chosen.

While the original birth certificate is not destroyed, it is generally kept confidential and can only be accessed under specific circumstances, such as by court order or when the adoptee reaches adulthood, depending on the law of the particular state.

How to Get an Amended Birth Certificate After Adoption

Now that we understand what happens to the original birth certificate, let’s focus on how to get an amended birth certificate after adoption.

The process varies by state, but there are generally a few steps involved.

Once the adoption is finalized, the court will issue an adoption decree, which legally establishes the new parent-child relationship.

This decree is then sent to the state’s Vital Records or Department of Health office, who will create the new birth certificate.

It’s important to note that some states require the adoptive parents to request the amended birth certificate, while others will automatically issue it.

Therefore, it’s crucial to understand the specific rules and regulations of your state.

How to Update a Georgia Birth Certificate after Grandparent Adoption

Georgia is not an automatic update state, and requires you or your attorney to send in a request to update your adopted grandchild’s birth certificate.

You will need to pay a fee as well for both the update and to receive certified copies of the updated birth certificate.

To find the most up-to-date information, visit the Department of Public Health of Georgia website, here: https://dph.georgia.gov/ways-request-vital-record/birth

Final Thoughts

Amending a birth certificate after grandparent adoption is an essential part of the legal process that helps establish the new family unit.

As with any legal matter, it’s always recommended to seek expert advice if you’re unsure about the process.

Remember, every family’s journey to adoption is unique, and understanding these legal aspects can help make the transition smoother.