[lainie_lainie]

We are still new to this whole world of adoption, but we were wondering. When you officially adopt a child, do they go back and change the birth certificate. Is this done even if the child is a little older?

[BrandyHagz]

Once the adoption is finalized, your lawyer will submit a request to have the birth certificate amended to have you and your husbands (or significant others) name placed on it.

The original birth certificate is then sealed with the rest of the court documents, and an amended birth certificate is issued with the child’s new name and parental information.

[mj77]

We noticed on our son's new birth certificate, the numbers (reference) were the same as the old. We chose to change his entire name to protect his origional identity. Because our son was adopted through the state (and perhaps regardless, not sure though), we were also able to change his social security number as well.

[michellemartin]

I think the social security number automatically changes. I dont know Kara's origional number, if it was issued at all even!

[mj77]

I believe most hospitals require a ss# be issued before a baby is discharged after birth. Everyone I have known had to request the change of ss# when requesting a new card after their finalized adiption. It wasn't automatic. In fact some even had trouble getting it done because the person helping them didn't believe it was possible.

[redhedded]

All of the children I know who are adopted, including my daughter, were unable to get a social security number and card until we had the amended birth certificate. Newborns would rarely have one, unless applied for by the birthfamily. A social security number is not required for hospital discharge; though hospital administration will certainly help with the application for one.

[mj77]

You're right, I'm sorry, I was thinking something different. Yes, it does take time to recieve the ss card. Sorry. But I do know you have to request the change in number when an adoption happens if you don't want the old one. It's one of those rare events they will change the number.

[Sledge]

You will have to request a new social security number once the adoption has been finalized. You will not need the birth certificate all the time, just the final paperwork from the court stating that the adoption was finalized. Sometime the social security dept will say that you cannot have a new number but don't accept that as the correct answer, just come back another time and talk to somebody else or just request to talk to somebody else then because they will give you a new number. I heard horror stories about them not giving a new one for my son but when I went they started the paperwork before I even had a chance to plead my case on why I wanted him to have a new one.