Can I exclude the father's name from the birth certificate in Alabama?

Full question:

I am a 25-year-old woman working in a bar as a bartender. I have been in an on and off relationship with a guy who is a regular at my bar. Due to excessive morning sickness, I decided to take a pregnancy test just to be sure. Turns out that I am pregnant. I am planning to have the kid. I don’t want my boyfriend’s name on the birth certificate as the child’s father. Is it possible to get the certificate without the name of the father in Alabama?

  • Category: Paternity
  • Date:
  • State: Alabama

Answer:

In Alabama, parents must apply for a birth certificate within five days after the child is born, as stated in Code of Ala. § 22-9A-7. This law outlines the requirements for including the father's name on the birth certificate.

According to clause (f) of this code:

  • If the mother was married at the time of conception or birth, the husband’s name must be included unless legally proven otherwise.
  • If the mother was not married at the time of conception or birth, the father's name will not be included unless paternity is established by a court or the legitimation process is completed.
  • If the father is not named, no other information about him will be included on the certificate.

Since you are not married, you do not need to include the father's name on the birth certificate if you remain unmarried at the time of birth.

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

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