
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: MONDAY, April 8, 1991                   TAG: 9104060493
SECTION: EXTRA                    PAGE: E-3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Tammy Poole
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

BIRTH CERTIFICATES CAN BE CORRECTED

Q: My wife has just learned that her name is different from what is on her birth certificate. Does this matter? If so, what should she do to have it corrected? P.R., Roanoke

A: It depends on whether it is a minor misspelling or a totally different name, according to the Division of Vital Records' registrar's office in Richmond.

For instance, if your wife spells her name, Bette, with an "e" and her birth certificate spells it with a "y," then that is a problem that is not difficult to change. If she wants it changed officially, it may take an affidavit from the bureau or an affidavit with evidence.

But if the change is dramatic - if her name is Jane and her birth certificate says Judy, for instance - then it probably would require a court order to change her name, according to the division.

To find out which would apply in your wife's case, contact the registrar's office at (804) 786-3369.

by CNB