AboutPeter C. Winkler, CSW Expertise I have experience with adoption subsidy, the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children and variety of other adoption related matters. I hope that I can be helpful to those who are considering adoption or would like to adopt a child.
Experience I am a social worker with an MSW and I have over thirty years of experience in family and children's services. I have worked as Director of adoption services and of the Interstate Compact in a large state agency. I have also provided direct services to children and families in a preventive services program. I currently prepare adoption studies for those who are adopting domestically or internationally.
Question I am not sure from your profile if you will be able to answer my question. I apologize if you are not the person I should be asking. My question regards being adpoted as an adult. I am 23 years old, and have learned that my father is not my birth father. My birth father died when I was an infant and when my mother remarried all my parents did was legally change my last name. I am now running into a problem with my birth certificate having a different father listed. I want to have the father changed on my birth certificate. Is adoption the only way to do this? If so, is it even possible to be adopted as an adult and is it terribly difficult? If you could please give me any advice that you can, or direct me to the correct type of attorney to ask i would really appreciate it. Thank you, Samantha
Answer I'm not an attorney, but I do know that usually judges will only allow the adoption of minors or of adults who require ongoing supervision due to a disability. I don't believe you can get the father's name changed on the birth certificate without going through an adoption. If you really think it is worthwhile to explore the matter, you could consult with a lawyer who does adoptions (they should be able to provide additional information). It seems to me that the issue will rarely come up and when it does you can show the paperwork that demonstrates the legal change of your name. Sot the question for you is whether exploring this further is worth it.
