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California PDF Forms

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Common Questions

What is the California VS 12 form?

The California VS 12 form is an application used to request a certified copy of a fetal death record from the California Department of Public Health. This form has been in use since July 1, 1905, and is essential for individuals seeking documentation of a fetal death for various personal, legal, or medical reasons.

Who can apply for a fetal death record using the VS 12 form?

Any individual who is directly related to the deceased fetus, such as a parent or legal guardian, can apply for a fetal death record. Additionally, representatives of agencies or organizations may also apply on behalf of the family, provided they have the necessary permissions. It is important to ensure that the application is completed accurately to avoid delays in processing.

How much does it cost to obtain a copy of a fetal death record?

The fee for each copy of a fetal death record is $18. This fee must be submitted with the application in the form of a personal check or a postal or bank money order. If the record cannot be found, the fee will not be refunded, as it is retained for the search process. A "Certificate of No Public Record" will be issued in such cases.

What information is required to complete the VS 12 form?

To complete the VS 12 form, applicants must provide specific details in the Fetal Death Information section. This includes:

  • First, middle, and last names of the fetus
  • City and county of fetal death (must be in California)
  • Date of fetal death (exact or approximate)
  • Sex of the fetus
  • Names of the parents, including any maiden names

Providing as much accurate information as possible will help in locating the record efficiently.

How do I submit the completed VS 12 form?

Once the VS 12 form is completed and signed, it should be mailed to the California Department of Public Health, Vital Records, at the following address:

California Department of Public Health
Vital Records – MS 5103
P.O. Box 997410
Sacramento, CA 95899-7410

Ensure that the payment is included and that cash is not sent, as the department cannot be responsible for lost cash payments.

What should I do if I have questions about the application process?

If you have any questions or need assistance regarding the application process for the VS 12 form, you can contact the California Department of Public Health at (916) 445-2684. They can provide guidance and clarify any uncertainties you may have about the form or the required information.

Document Specifications

Fact Name Details
Governing Law The California Health and Safety Code governs the issuance of fetal death records.
Record Maintenance Fetal death records have been kept by the California Department of Public Health since July 1, 1905.
Application Fee The fee for each copy requested is $18. This fee is non-refundable if no record is found.
Submission Instructions Applications must be mailed with the appropriate fee. Cash should not be sent.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the California Vs 12 form, there are several important guidelines to follow. Here’s a list of things you should and shouldn’t do:

  • Do complete a separate application for each fetal death record you are requesting.
  • Do provide accurate information in the Fetal Death Information section to help locate the record.
  • Do include the correct fee of $18 for each copy requested, using a personal check or money order.
  • Do mail your application to the specified address, ensuring it is sent to the California Department of Public Health.
  • Don't send cash as payment, since CDPH cannot be responsible for lost or misdirected cash payments.
  • Don't leave any sections blank in the Applicant Information or Fetal Death Information sections.
  • Don't forget to sign the application where indicated.
  • Don't assume your application will be processed without the required fee; incomplete applications may delay the process.

Misconceptions

Misconceptions about the California VS 12 form can lead to confusion and frustration. Here are six common misunderstandings:

  • Only hospitals can request fetal death records. Many believe that only medical facilities can obtain these records. In reality, anyone with a legitimate interest, such as family members, can apply for a certified copy.
  • The application can be submitted online. Some think they can fill out the form online and submit it electronically. However, the California VS 12 form must be printed, completed, and mailed in with the appropriate fee.
  • The fee is refundable if the record is not found. A common misconception is that the $18 fee will be returned if no record is located. In fact, the fee is retained to cover the search costs, regardless of the outcome.
  • All fetal death records are public information. Many assume that these records are accessible to anyone. However, access is restricted to certain individuals, such as parents or legal representatives, to protect privacy.
  • Only the exact date of death is needed. Some applicants believe they must provide the exact date of fetal death. While this is helpful, an approximate date is acceptable if the exact date is unknown.
  • Cash payments are accepted. There is a belief that cash can be sent with the application. This is incorrect, as the California Department of Public Health only accepts checks or money orders to avoid loss or misdirection.

Documents used along the form

The California VS 12 form is essential for requesting certified copies of fetal death records. Alongside this form, several other documents and forms may be required to facilitate various processes related to fetal death records. Below is a list of related documents that may be commonly used in conjunction with the California VS 12 form.

  • California VS 10 Form: This form is used to request certified copies of birth records. It is essential for parents seeking to obtain their child's birth certificate.
  • California VS 11 Form: This document is utilized for requesting certified copies of death records. It serves individuals looking to obtain a deceased person's death certificate.
  • Certificate of No Public Record: Issued when a requested record cannot be found. This certificate confirms that no record exists for the specified request.
  • Application for a Marriage License: This form is necessary for couples intending to marry. It provides the legal framework for marriage in California.
  • Application for a Domestic Partnership: Couples who wish to register as domestic partners must complete this form, which outlines their partnership status.
  • Affidavit of Identity: This document may be required to verify the identity of the applicant when requesting vital records, ensuring that the request is legitimate.
  • Request for Duplicate Certificate: Individuals who have lost their vital records may use this form to request a duplicate copy of their birth, death, or marriage certificate.
  • Power of Attorney: This legal document allows one person to act on behalf of another in legal matters, which can be relevant when requesting vital records.
  • Proof of Relationship Documentation: This may include documents such as marriage certificates or birth certificates to establish the relationship between the applicant and the individual named in the record.

Understanding these forms and documents can streamline the process of obtaining vital records in California. Each document serves a specific purpose, ensuring that individuals can access the information they need efficiently and legally.