[frustratedmom]

I need to find some case law on this subject. I was stupid and put my 2 boys last name on the BC as their fathers and my youngest baby has both mine and his. Because their father and I were never married or ever lived together or has he helped with raising them, I want to legally change it to reflect only mine.

I live in California and in the L.A. area. I was told by an attorney (which I can't afford to hire) that there is case law on this and that he believes that if a child uses a last name up to age 5 then that is the name they go by.

I have used my last name on EVERYTHING! Medical,Schooling,etc... Our kids are 5,2,1. Our 5 year old recently started a Pre-K for a few hours a week and I used my last name because that is the only last name he knows and the school told me that they have to use his dads last name because its on the BC-UGH! I am now in the middle of a huge custody battle and the judge said to find case law on this too- UGH!

Please Help! I can't remember the attorney name I saw a few months back and I am desperate to find this case law.

Thank you.

[stinawords]

Your best bet is to go to a law liberary. All big universities and colleges have them. You might even be able to get a law student to help you pro bono. It is better to go to the liberary (in my opionion at least) because you can make the copies and document your sources better than some sites. There are a few trust worthy web sites but I'm not out of your area so can't come up with one off the top of my head.