questions & answers

Question: throughout my pregnancy the father of my child wasn't around because I felt threatened by him and when I gave birth I gave my son my last name which means he is not in the birth certificate hes been around , spend time with our son but now he wants to take me to court to change the last name . what can I do to keep my last name? and no we weren't married or planned on it

Answer: From our article on How to Change your Name

Typically, the child's other parent will have to be notified of your application to change the child's name. If the other parent does not object, the simplest thing to do is have both parents sign the Petition. You can also have the other parent sign a consent to the name change. If the parent does not agree and sign a consent or the petition, then you must serve the petition upon him/her. If he does not object in writing or at the hearing, the court is likely to order the name change. If the other parent does object, the court is less likely to order the change, particularly if the other parent has maintained a relationship with the child. There may be other reasons the court will approve the name change even if the other parent objects.