Can someone please give me your advice/knowledge? I have an 8 year old daughter. Her bio dad did not show up to sign the birth certificate. He has had contact with her a handful of times in the last 3 years- only through his mother. My husband and I want to put his name on the birth certificate since my daughter considers him her dad anyway. And maybe change her last name to ours. Can I get in trouble for adding his name if I know he's not the bio dad? What steps would I have to take to get this done? And lastly is it expensive? Thanks

No, first this would be "FRAUD" and illegal. He will need to adopt the child.

Thanks for your quick response. I hate that a neglegent father has more rights than a responsible loving step-father. Never thought I would be in this situation and its very hard to see my daughter in pain and confused about why he won't see her anymore. But anyway, thanks.

The bio father has the right to go to court for changes in custody, for visitation and for other legal issues about child. A step parent has no legal rights to the child what so ever.

In most cases if the mother of the child has been very active in in going after the bio father for child support they are somewhat happy to sign over their rights to allow for adoption.

Thanks that's very helpful