View Full Version : Changing my child's last name to mine.
jhayslip
Jun 5, 2008, 06:21 AM
When my child was born his mother gave him her last name. I asked her to reconsider and she said no. I thought that if I gave her time she would reconsider and six months later she still says no. Is there anything I can do legally to change his last name in the state of Ohio?
ScottGem
Jun 5, 2008, 06:22 AM
Has paternity been established?
jhayslip
Jun 5, 2008, 06:29 AM
We didn't do a paternity test because when he was conceived we were together and I'm sure she wasn't sleeping around.
ScottGem
Jun 5, 2008, 06:38 AM
If she didn't put you on the birth certificate then you have NO rights at this point.
If you want to be part of this child's life you will have to go to court and establish paternity and get your name on the birth certificate. Of course she will probably ask for formal suppoirt at that point.
jhayslip
Jun 5, 2008, 06:41 AM
I am on the birth certificate and child support has been established we just didn't do a paternity test. I pick my son up everyday after work I provide for him outside what I pay in child support. Any decision she makes I usually go with it. I am just asking for this and I find it hard to believe that there is nothing I can do.
ScottGem
Jun 5, 2008, 07:08 AM
I'm a little confused here then. If you are on the birth certificate, then what does it show for name? However, if you want to have his legal name yours or even hyphenated, you will probably need to go to court for it.
jhayslip
Jun 5, 2008, 07:10 AM
He has her last name on the birth certificate.
MsMewiththat
Jun 6, 2008, 12:28 PM
Typically and I'm not certain why, nor did I follow that old skool rule... children born out of the union of marriage receive the mother's name. You can however, name your child anything you want. In this instance to do a name change you would need to have the participation of the mother. The advice you are receiving to go through the courts is the only route you can take at this point. Good Luck