[IVANJAMES]

I'm currently unmarried, pregnant and live in Michigan. My son's father lives in California. I have been told that I can not put my son's father name on the birth certificate at birth unless he signs. It is a great possibility the father will not be in Michigan at the time of birth.

How can I have my son's father name added to birth certificate prior to the birth? The father is very cooperative.

[aaron]

Technically speaking, nobody's name is on the birth certificate prior to birth. The certificate of live birth is completed afterward. You can establish paternity through an affidavit of parentage which you can submit to the hospital when you apply for a birth certificate.

[IVANJAMES]

Thanks for your prompt repsonse. Is there a document that my son's father can sign prior to birth to indicate he is the father? I was also told that once the certificate of live birth has been issued, changes are hard to make.

[aaron]

Thanks for your prompt repsonse. Is there a document that my son's father can sign prior to birth to indicate he is the father?

The affidavit of parentage just described.

I was also told that once the certificate of live birth has been issued, changes are hard to make.

You would have to file an Application to Correct a Certificate of Birth in the County where the child was born, or pursue a paternity action.