What Is a Court Order to Amend a Birth Certificate?
A court order to amend birth certificate is a legal document that authorizes the Wisconsin Vital Records office to update information on an existing birth certificate. This process is required when standard administrative corrections are not available, particularly for older birth certificates or corrections involving listed parental information. It is governed by Chapter 69.12 of the Wisconsin Statutes.
Documents Required Before Filing
Before filing your petition for court order, gather the following documents and forms:
- Completed petition form with the specific incorrect information currently listed and the correct information you are requesting
- Two original court orders for amendment (certified copies)
- Supporting evidence to justify the requested corrections (such as hospital records or DNA test results)
- Government-issued photo ID
- Payment for the Clerk of Court filing fee and the Wisconsin Vital Records amendment fee
Step-by-Step Instructions for Filing
Follow these instructions to properly complete and submit your court order petition:
- Complete the petition form: Fill in the specific incorrect information currently listed on the birth certificate and provide the correct information you are requesting. Be as detailed as possible.
- Gather supporting evidence: Collect all documents that support your correction request. Your county Clerk of Court can provide instructions on which forms of evidence are accepted.
- File with the Clerk of Court: Submit your petition, two original court orders, supporting evidence, and pay the filing fee at the Clerk of Court in your Wisconsin county.
- Attend the court hearing: A judge will review your petition and supporting documents. If approved, you will receive a certified court order authorizing the birth certificate amendment.
- Submit to Wisconsin Vital Records: Forward the certified court order, required forms, and the amendment fee to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services Vital Records office to finalize the process.
Fees and Processing Time
Filing fees vary by Wisconsin county. Contact the Clerk of Court in your county for the current fee schedule. The Wisconsin Vital Records office charges a separate amendment processing fee. After all required documents and fees are received, the amendment process typically takes 4 to 8 weeks. Keep copies of all court orders and submitted forms for your personal records.
Common Questions About Amending a Wisconsin Birth Certificate
Who can file a court order to amend a birth certificate?
Any person listed on the birth certificate, or their authorized legal representative, can file a court order petition. A court order is typically required for older birth certificates and complex corrections involving listed parental information where standard administrative processes are not available.
What types of corrections require a court order?
A court order is required for corrections that cannot be processed administratively. These include changes to listed parental names, date of birth corrections on older birth certificates, paternity-related amendments, and any correction that requires judicial review under Wisconsin law.
How long does the amendment process take?
After submitting the certified court order to the Wisconsin Vital Records office, the amendment process typically takes 4 to 8 weeks. Processing times may vary depending on the complexity of the correction and the volume of requests received by the Vital Records office.
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