Get California Vs 12 Form

How to Use California Vs 12

Completing the California VS 12 form is straightforward. Follow these steps carefully to ensure your application for a certified copy of a fetal death record is processed without delays.

1. Obtain the California VS 12 form. You can find it on the California Department of Public Health's website or request a physical copy.
2. Fill out the Applicant Information section. Include today's date, your name, mailing address, and daytime telephone number. Sign where indicated.
3. In the Fetal Death Information section, provide as much detail as possible about the fetal death. Include the first, middle, and last name of the fetus, the city and county of fetal death, and the date of fetal death. If you don’t know the exact date, provide an approximate date.
4. Indicate the sex of the fetus by checking either the Female or Male box.
5. Fill in the names of the parents. Include the first, middle, and last names of both the father and mother, using their names before marriage or domestic partnership.
6. Determine the number of copies you want and calculate the total fee. Each copy costs $18. Include a personal check or a postal/bank money order made payable to CDPH Vital Records. Do not send cash.
7. Attach your payment securely to the form.
8. Mail the completed form along with the payment to:
• California Department of Public Health
• Vital Records – MS 5103
• P.O. Box 997410
• Sacramento, CA 95899-7410

Once your application is mailed, the California Department of Public Health will process it. If they find the fetal death record, you will receive the copies you requested. If not, you will receive a “Certificate of No Public Record.”

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. The California Department of Public Health maintains these records since July 1, 1905. This form is essential for individuals seeking to obtain official documentation regarding a fetal death that occurred in California.

How do I complete the California Vs 12 form?

To complete the form, fill out a separate application for each fetal death record you wish to request. Start by providing your personal information in the Applicant Information section, including your signature. In the Fetal Death Information section, supply as much information as you can about the fetal death, such as names, dates, and locations. Incomplete or inaccurate details may hinder the search for the record.

What is the fee for requesting a fetal death record?

The fee for each copy of a fetal death record is $18. This payment must be made via personal check or postal or bank money order, payable to CDPH Vital Records. If the record cannot be found, the fee will not be refunded, but a "Certificate of No Public Record" will be issued. It is important to note that cash should not be sent, as the California Department of Public Health is not responsible for lost or misdirected cash payments.

Where should I send the completed California Vs 12 form?

Once you have completed the form and included the appropriate fee, mail your application to the following address: California Department of Public Health, Vital Records – MS 5103, P.O. Box 997410, Sacramento, CA 95899-7410. Ensure that you send your application to this address to avoid delays in processing.

What should I do if I need assistance with the California Vs 12 form?

If you require assistance while completing the California Vs 12 form, you can contact the California Department of Public Health at (916) 445-2684. They can provide guidance on filling out the form and address any questions you may have regarding the application process.

Filling out the California VS 12 form can be a straightforward process, but there are several common mistakes that applicants often make. Understanding these pitfalls can help ensure that the application is completed correctly, thereby avoiding delays in obtaining the necessary fetal death record.

One frequent mistake is failing to complete a separate application for each fetal death record requested. The instructions clearly state that a new application is required for each record. Neglecting this step can lead to confusion and result in the rejection of the application.

Another common error involves providing incomplete or inaccurate information in the Fetal Death Information section. The form requests specific details, such as the first, middle, and last names of the deceased, as well as the date and location of the fetal death. If any of this information is missing or incorrect, it may hinder the department's ability to locate the record.

Many applicants also overlook the importance of signing the application. The Applicant Information section requires a signature where indicated. Without this crucial step, the application may be deemed invalid, causing further delays.

Additionally, applicants often miscalculate the fees associated with the request. The form specifies a fee of $18 for each copy requested. If the payment is incorrect, the application may not be processed, and the applicant could face additional waiting time to resolve the issue.

Using cash is another mistake that can lead to complications. The instructions explicitly state to submit a check or money order, as the California Department of Public Health cannot be held responsible for cash payments that are lost or misdirected. Ignoring this advice can result in lost funds and an unprocessed application.

Providing an incorrect mailing address is yet another error that can create problems. Applicants should ensure that the mailing address for both the applicant and the recipient of the copies is accurate. Any discrepancies may lead to delays in receiving the requested documents.

Some applicants fail to include the number of copies they wish to request. The form includes a section for this information, and neglecting to fill it out can result in receiving fewer copies than needed, necessitating a follow-up application.

Lastly, not attaching the payment properly can lead to confusion. The form instructs applicants to attach the check or money order securely. If this step is overlooked, the payment could become separated from the application, causing processing delays.

By being aware of these common mistakes, applicants can improve their chances of successfully obtaining fetal death records in a timely manner. Attention to detail and adherence to the instructions are key to navigating the application process smoothly.

The California VS 12 form is essential for obtaining certified copies of fetal death records. When navigating this process, you may encounter several other documents that can assist in gathering necessary information or fulfilling legal requirements. Below is a list of related forms and documents often used in conjunction with the California VS 12 form.

• California Death Certificate Application (VS 11): This form is used to request a certified copy of a death certificate for an individual who has passed away. It requires details such as the deceased's full name, date of death, and place of death.
• Certificate of No Public Record: Issued when a requested record cannot be found, this document serves as proof that a search was conducted. It helps applicants understand that no record exists rather than simply being denied access.
• Authorization for Release of Information: This form allows a third party to request access to vital records on behalf of an individual. It ensures that personal information is only shared with authorized persons.
• Request for Vital Records (Application for Birth, Death, or Marriage Records): This general application can be used to request various vital records. It simplifies the process by allowing applicants to request multiple types of records in one form.
• Proof of Relationship Documentation: In some cases, you may need to provide documentation proving your relationship to the deceased or the fetus. This can include birth certificates, marriage licenses, or court orders.

Understanding these forms and documents can streamline your experience when applying for fetal death records in California. Each one plays a role in ensuring that the necessary information is accurately collected and processed. Being prepared with the right documentation can help alleviate stress during what is often a difficult time.

• California VS 10 Form: This form is used to request certified copies of death records. Like the VS 12, it requires specific information about the deceased and the applicant. Both forms involve a fee and follow a similar submission process to the California Department of Public Health.
• California VS 11 Form: The VS 11 form is for obtaining certified copies of birth records. It shares similarities with the VS 12 in terms of required applicant information and the necessity of providing accurate details about the record being requested.
• California VS 4 Form: This form is used to request a marriage certificate. Both the VS 4 and VS 12 require the applicant to provide personal information and pay a fee. The process for submitting these forms is also alike, involving mailing to the appropriate department.
• California VS 13 Form: The VS 13 is for requesting divorce records. Similar to the VS 12, it requires detailed information about the parties involved and mandates a fee for processing the request.
• California VS 14 Form: This form is used to request a domestic partnership certificate. Like the VS 12, it requires the applicant to provide specific details and submit a fee. Both forms are processed by the same department.
• California VS 15 Form: The VS 15 is for requesting adoption records. It shares a similar structure to the VS 12, requiring detailed information about the individual and the payment of a fee for the service.
• California VS 9 Form: This form is for requesting amendments to vital records. The VS 9 and VS 12 both require the applicant to provide supporting information and pay a fee, following a similar submission process.
• California VS 16 Form: The VS 16 is used to request paternity acknowledgment forms. Both this form and the VS 12 require personal information and involve a fee, with a comparable submission method to the California Department of Public Health.

When filling out the California VS 12 form, there are important guidelines to follow. Below is a list of six things to do and not do during the process.

• Do complete a separate application for each fetal death record you are requesting.
• Do provide accurate and complete information in the Fetal Death Information section.
• Do submit the correct fee of $18 for each copy requested.
• Do mail the completed application to the specified address.
• Don't send cash as payment; only checks or money orders are accepted.
• Don't leave any sections of the form blank, as incomplete applications may delay processing.

Following these guidelines will help ensure that your application is processed efficiently and accurately.

Misconceptions about the California VS 12 form can lead to confusion and delays in obtaining important records. Here are eight common misunderstandings:

1. Only hospitals can request fetal death records. Anyone with the required information can apply for a certified copy, not just hospitals or medical facilities.
2. The application fee is refundable. If no record is found, the $18 fee will not be refunded. Instead, a “Certificate of No Public Record” will be issued.
3. Cash payments are acceptable. Cash cannot be accepted. Payments must be made via check or money order to ensure safety and tracking.
4. All information on the form is optional. Providing complete and accurate information is crucial. Incomplete applications may result in delays or inability to locate the record.
5. Fetal death records are only available for recent events. The California Department of Public Health has maintained these records since July 1, 1905, so older records can also be requested.
6. There is no limit on the number of copies that can be requested. While you can request multiple copies, each one requires a separate application and fee.
7. Records can be obtained immediately. Processing times may vary. It’s important to allow sufficient time for the application to be processed.
8. Fetal death records are public documents. Access to these records is restricted to certain individuals, such as parents or legal representatives, to protect privacy.

Understanding these misconceptions can help streamline the application process and ensure that you receive the necessary documentation in a timely manner.

Here are some key takeaways regarding the California VS 12 form for requesting a certified copy of a fetal death record:

• Separate Applications: Each fetal death record request requires a separate application.
• Accurate Information: Provide complete and accurate details in the Fetal Death Information section to ensure successful record retrieval.
• Application Fee: A fee of $18 is required for each copy requested, payable via check or money order.
• No Cash Payments: Do not send cash; the California Department of Public Health will not be responsible for lost cash payments.
• Certificate of No Public Record: If no record is found, the fee will still be retained, and a “Certificate of No Public Record” will be issued.
• Mailing Instructions: Send completed applications and fees to the specified address for the California Department of Public Health.
• Contact Information: For inquiries, contact the California Department of Public Health at (916) 445-2684.