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Lizbeth0509 · Oct 13, 2010, 10:11 AM

I had a daughter 7 month ago. Although we were not together during the pregnancy the father wanted to be part of the child life. As soon the baby was born he did not want to be part of her life. He is not on birth certificate and never signed paternity papers. I'm know with someone who wants to be the father and since we have plans of getting married. We would like for her to carry his last name. Where do I go? And do I still need the father consent? We live in PA. And she is seven month old.

Samantha_G · Oct 25, 2010, 12:10 AM

For the most part, which you pick out a name for your baby, it is what it is.

There are exceptions made when the baby is born without the father in the picture and is given the mother's name. Then, if shortly down the road, the father is informed, or comes in the picture, the name can be changed to the fathers name. This can often be done retroactively to the birth certificate (i.e. a new revised birth cert. is issued).

However, once the baby is named, outside of that circumstance above, it's a bit more challenging to change the name.

First, you probably need the father's consent, which could be frustrating in some situations, but he does have certain rights. Additionally, you'd probably have to have the person in your life adopt the child, thereby taking his last name.

Sorry, but once the baby is named, it's difficult to change.