Expert: Chandricka R. Mose, LCSW-C, LICSW, ACSW - 6/15/2011

Question
I was hoping you could point me in the right direction.

I have paperwork showing that I'm adopted by my father.  I am told by my family that he is my biological father and they had to have the paperwork because my dad and mother were residents of two different states when I was born in 1972.

My dad was 35 and married when I was born.  My mother was 23 and single.  They were residents of two different states.  

I have a “certified” copy of my birth certificate, he is listed as my father.  However, I can tell from the adoption paperwork that it is not the “original” birth certificate (my last name was added to the certified one).

That's all the important stuff.  Is it possible that my biological father has adoption paperwork on me because he was married at the time and/or because he was a resident of a different state than my mother?  This was 1972 after all.  If I tried to get the original birth certificate could it show anything different than what I have now.  Is the adopted father's name listed as if he were the biological father once the adoption is completed?

I appreciate any assistance or simply pointing me in the right direction.  I'm 39 and will not be emotionally disturbed by any answer, I just want to know.

Sincerely,

Shawn

Answer
Hello Shawn,

This is a difficult question, but the quick answer is yes, he might have had to adopt you later, if for whatever reason, he could not sign your original birth certificate.  Yes, adoptive parents are listed as if they are biological parents once adoptions are finalized.

If your original birth certificate has your mom and no father listed, this is common, if she was a single mom.  I guess the more difficult question that you are asking is 1. is he really your biological father and 2. if not, who is your father.  Since it is no longer 1972 and if you really want to know, you can have a paternity test to put the question to bed totally.  This may be what it takes to fully resolve your concerns.  

All the Best,

Chandricka Mose