QUESTION
Is it legal to obtain a copy of someone's birth certificate without their permission?
Asked on Oct 05th, 2012 on Estate Planning - Oregon
More details to this question:
A family member is detailing family birth records and obtaining birth certificates without permission of all family members.
8 ANSWERS
Trust Attorney serving Cincinnati, OH
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Paul A. Nidich Attorney at Law
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Birth certificates are public records that anyone can get a copy of without permission.
Answered on Oct 13th, 2012 at 5:31 AM
Business Planning Attorney serving Livonia, MI
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Frederick & Frederick Attorneys at Law
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A birth certificate is a public record, in almost all cases, so there is no way to prevent someone from doing this.
Answered on Oct 08th, 2012 at 5:12 PM
In Wisconsin, an uncertified copy of a birth certificate is a public record and can be obtained by anyone for informational purposes through the State Vital Records Office.
Answered on Oct 08th, 2012 at 5:12 PM
No, it is not legal to obtain an original birth certificate from the government without a person's consent. In many states, it is a crime.
Answered on Oct 08th, 2012 at 5:11 PM
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Each state or county sets its own standards and requirements to obtain those types of documents. So the answer is "probably."
Answered on Oct 08th, 2012 at 5:11 PM
Birth records are restricted in Michigan and only a person or parent named on the record or a court-appointed legal guardian of the person named on the record may request a copy of a birth record that is less than 100 years old. A legally licensed representative is eligible to request a copy if he/she represents the person named on the record. An heir may request a copy of a birth record less than 100 years old if they can provide an out-of-state death certificate or the death information if it was a Michigan death with the request. Anyone can request a birth record that is more than 100 years old.
Answered on Oct 08th, 2012 at 5:11 PM
Probate Attorney serving Newport, OR
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Minor, Bandonis & Haggerty P.C.
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You probably don't need the permission of the person whose birth record you are obtaining, but you do need some lawful purpose.
Answered on Oct 08th, 2012 at 5:10 PM
Check with your state's statutes on this matter. A birth is considered part of the public record. However, many states only release the certificate to the individual or someone acting on his or her behalf. There may be other records that your relative is locating such as church records, genealogy groups, and historical documents.
Answered on Oct 08th, 2012 at 5:10 PM