US Laws, Codes, Statutes & Cases

      (a)      Except as otherwise provided in this section, if a certificate of birth, death, or fetal death is filed within 1 year after the event, the original or a certified copy of the certificate is prima facie evidence of the facts stated in it.

      (b)      (1)      Any information in the certificate that relates to the father of a child is prima facie evidence only if the alleged father is the husband of the mother.

            (2)      If the alleged father is not the husband of the mother and paternity is contested, the information that relates to the father of a child is not evidence in any proceeding adverse to the interests of the alleged father or his heirs, next of kin, devisees, legatees, or other successors in interest.

      (c)      If a certificate or record is filed more than 1 year after the event or is amended, the court or official before whom the certificate or record is offered as evidence shall determine its evidentiary value.