Pidyon Haben for a Six-Year-Old Child
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Question
Hello Rabbi, I am a Kohen and have been asked to perform a Pidyon Haben for a six-and-a-half-year-old child. Is a minyan and a meal required? Is there anything special I need to know? Thank you very much, Michael
Answer
Shalom Rav
There is a mitzvah to perform this commandment in the presence of a congregation and with a meal, as with a child of one month old. However, it is not obligatory, and according to the law, it can be done just between you and the child's father.
It is necessary to confirm with the mother that the son is indeed the firstborn to his mother - that no boy or girl was born before him, and there was no miscarriage. Also from previous marriages.
Additionally, check with her that the child was born naturally and not by cesarean section.
There is a collection of rulings by our teacher, the Gaon, Rabbi Ovadia Fried, on the matter of Pidyon Haben, and if you wish, I will send it to you by personal email.
Source
Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh De'ah, Siman 305