QUESTION
In the State of Pennsylvania, can I sign the birth certificate if I'm the stepfather?
Asked on Mar 31st, 2013 on Child Custody - Pennsylvania
More details to this question:
The father is not around. I take care of my stepson in every aspect. I want to sign the birth certificate because the biological father didn't and doesn't want to. Can I just sign it and have legal custody or does it have to worked out in court?
1 ANSWER
David M. Axinn
I'm not sure what you mean by signing the birth certificate. I can say that the best way to resolve the situation would be for you to adopt the child. After the adoption, they will issue a new birth certificate with your name on it. This requires a court proceeding, but it may not be difficult if the birth-father either consents to the adoption, or at least does not oppose it.
Answered on Apr 02nd, 2013 at 1:16 AM