How Do I Get a Copy of a Divorce Decree?

Q: Who fills out the birth certificate for new parents?

Typically, the hospital staff will assist new parents in filling out the birth certificate shortly after the birth. Both parents should provide their information, including names and addresses. If the parents are not married, additional steps may be needed to include the father's name.

Q: Is a Puerto Rico birth certificate a US birth certificate?

Yes, a Puerto Rico birth certificate is considered a U.S. birth certificate. Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, and its birth certificates are recognized for legal purposes in the United States. However, some institutions may require an official copy or additional documentation for certain processes.

Q: Do birth certificates from Puerto Rico expire?

Birth certificates from Puerto Rico do not have an expiration date; however, some institutions may require a recent copy for verification purposes. It's advisable to obtain a certified copy if you need to use it for legal matters, as older documents may not be accepted.

Full question:

My mother-in-law obtained a new birth certificate from Puerto Rico which has her birth name. All of her identification has her married name. She has been divorced for many years but her deceased ex-husband never gave her a copy of the divorce papers. She is trying to get identification with her maiden name but need a copy of the divorce papers.How can she obtain a copy? A 2nd issue is that she also has always used a nickname given to her by her parents and would like to legally change her identification to allow her to use that name.

Category: Name Change
Date: 04/07/2025
State: New York

Answer:

The order for divorce would be in the court records at the court that issued the divorce. We suggest you call the clerk of courts at the court that heard the divorce case to inquire about obtaining a copy of the order.

The need for a legal name change may result from marriage, divorce, adoption or simply a desire to have another name. Generally, you cannot change your name for a fraudulent purpose, such as avoiding debts. Means of changing your name generally include usage (in some states using a name as your own has the affect of making it your name); court order (a court order is recommended to change your name and is required by most states); or a divorce order as proof of name change.

Sometimes a name change isn't made as part of the divorce order. When a person doesn't reside where the divorce was issued, a name change request is typically made in the county of residence. In New York, a person may change their name by filing an action in the County Court or the Supreme Court of the county in which they reside, or, if they reside in New York City, either with the Supreme Court or to any branch of the Civil Court of the City of New York, with appropriate forms.

The court must find that the requested name change is consistent with the public interest. A person is not allowed to change their name in order to avoid judgments or legal actions against him or her, or to avoid debts and obligations. A person can not change their name to defraud any person.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

What happens if my dad isn't on my birth certificate?

If your dad isn't on your birth certificate, it typically means he wasn't present at your birth or didn't acknowledge paternity. This can affect legal rights like inheritance or custody. If you want to add him, you may need to establish paternity through a court or DNA testing. Each state has its own rules regarding this process, so it's best to consult local laws or an attorney for guidance.

Does the mother or father fill out the birth certificate?

Generally, the mother fills out the birth certificate, but both parents can provide information. In many states, the father can sign the birth certificate if he is present at the time of registration. If the father is not present, the mother can still register the birth alone, but adding the father's name later may require additional steps.

How can I get my mother's birth certificate from Puerto Rico?

To obtain your mother's birth certificate from Puerto Rico, you can request it through the Puerto Rico Department of Health. You may need to provide identification and proof of your relationship, such as a birth certificate or marriage certificate. Requests can often be made online, by mail, or in person, depending on the department's guidelines.