[chica_latina]

The drama over our Birth Certificates continues.....

My husband called the state offices that sent our birth certificates and told them that we need to order certified birth certificates for Guatemala adoptions (as we were advised to do) . .

They told us that there was no such thing as a birth certificate for adoption "A certified birth certificate is a certified birth certificate. We don't offer different ones."

They then told us that they cannot put a state seal on the birth certificate. They must put an apostille seal on them.

Isn't an apostille seal only for Hague countries???

Help!

aack! I'm getting really frustrated now.

Myrna

[Amykk]

You're right - the apostille is only for Hague countries. You are going to have to have all of your documents certified at the state level, probably through a different office than that which issues the BCs (at least that's how it works in my state). At that time, they will attach a piece of paper with the state seal basically attesting that the person who signed the BC is truly a state official. The secretary of state office will probably be able to tell you how to get documents certified.

[kauai2k]

While it is probably true that a "birth certificate is a birth certificate", it certainly should be certified. So, it is definitely wise to advise the person from whom you are requesting the certificate as to why you need it, as long as it's certified, you are ok.
A state seal is affixed as a secondary process. This is done by the sec of state's office. Usually it is a second sheet of paper that is stapled onto the original, unaltered birth certificate. The process of "sealing" encompasses the sec of state's office "certifying" that the birth certificate is in itself "authentic and duly certified".
So, primarily you need to get a certified birth certificate. Then, after you photocopy it a few times, send it on to the sec of state's office for "sealing".
it is confusing, but your agency should also help out a little bit here.
diane

[mattecook]

I can only say for my experience. I order birth certificates from vital statistics and then get them certified. I have always received just the regular birthceritifcate. They do have a raised seal on the birthcertificate to show they are not a copy but all that have been ordered always have this. Then I get them certified.

Ami

[chica_latina]

Just wanted to thank y'all for your advice.

I can't believe how stressful this BC situation has become!

My dh called the state offices today and we plan to call them again when they receive the BC's to remind them that they should not put the Apostille seal on them.

Thanks again!

Myrna