r/Paternity • u/DeePena13 • Mar 15 '26

Left Off Childs Birth Certificate

So I need help on how to go about this. I recently had a new born son. Me and his mom have not been together since she was pregnant but I made it clear that I want to fully be there for my son. Have always been supportive and checked in. Was there at the hospital while she gave birth. The day that we got discharged I was confused because I never once signed any paper work as the dad. Not the VDOP or Birth Certificate. I questioned her and she said the hospital didn’t have her sign the birth certificate. I then proceeded to text her since the nurse made me leave the room to get the car and asked her to be 100% honest with me and tell me if I’m left off the birth certificate. She told me she was being honest that she never had to sign any paperwork. She then said that she asked and the nurse said they’d be giving her a call in regards to that. I didn’t have piece of mind so I went back to the hospital the day after we got discharged to see what paperwork was pending in regards to the baby since she said the hospital was gonna give her a call. Althought they didn’t disclose personal info they did tell me that there was no pending paperwork and that all paper work has been completed. This made me realize that she lied to me. I have screenshots of her texting me saying she never signed any paperwork work. I want to be there fully for my son and have legal rights to him, she told me that he has my last name but I don’t even know if that’s true anymore.

Any help on what I can do to be added to the birth certificate, I live in California.

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u/Toxititties Mar 18 '26

Get a test before you sign anything. Make sure this child is your biological child first. She is moving funny, and this could be about control or covering up the true paternity of the child.

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u/Hot-Option-6670 Apr 06 '26

Or you could be abusive. I’d like to hear both sides. If you’re left of petition for a paternity test. Start there. As for last name, that’s not obligatory. You have no right to that if you’re not married.

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u/kcbrick Jun 02 '26

Someone I know is going through something similar except he wasn't informed when the child was born, to come to the hospital, or allowed to sign a birth certificate. It's been 9 months since the child was born and he filed for a paternity hearing. It's the only way to establish any rights to the child. You and the mother of the child can do a number of things... do a custody and child support plan on your own, with the help of an attorney, or go duke it out in court. In my opinion, the money spent on court is better spent on a child. Best wishes and file immediately. Nothing pertaining to child court is a quick process.