Hello. I need to know if it is true that you can give your child ANY last name?
If I receive more support from the man I am with rather than the true father of the
Child, can his last name be given rather than the fathers, or mine?

Also, can you add a Father's name to a birth certifcate at any time in your child's life?

Thanks! :D

In California I was able to give my children my last name, or their fathers last name, and I know of people who have given their children their boyfriends last name even though he wasn't their biological father. Changing it after the fact is more difficult. Adding the father later, if you leave it blank, I believe is relatively easy.

We might be able to provide you with more specific info for you if we knew what state you are in.

Naming the baby is completely up to the mother. Even the last name. Though this is something you need to think very seriously about as it is not the easiest thing to change in the future. As for listing the father, different states have differing procedures for doing this... and the father has to be in agreement to be listed unless married. Adding the father at a later date is again contingent upon the "father" agreeing to such and going through certain state sanctioned procedures. Please think long and hard about this... the guy who is being so helpful/loving now could later be out of the picture yet your child has his last name. Might be best to consider giving the baby your last name. In the future, if things continue as they are, you can change this fairly simply. Cathy