[jen23ohio]

My sons father is a deadbeat dad and when my son was born a year ago would not sign the birth certificate. I am currently in a relationship with a man I know will be a great father and be there for my son forever. I wanted to know how I go about getting his name on the birth certificate? Do I have to go to court or can he just go to the birth certificate office and sign the certificate? And then can my son take his last name?

[LearningAsIGo]

You would have to go to court to request both changes. Depending on your state, a lawyer probably isn't necessary, but you'll have to file paperwork and possibly appear before a judge.

Each state can vary - in my particular state this is what's required for minor children.

[LearningAsIGo]

I took a guess that you live in Ohio ;)

Ohio Name Change Forms and Name Change Law

[Synnen]

1. Get married
2. Get a lawyer
3. Wait until you've been married a year (for most states)
5. Establish paternity for your child
4. Ask your child's biological father to voluntarily relinquish parental rights
5. Have your husband adopt your child.

If you do it ANY OTHER WAY, you will be committing fraud. The ONLY way to have the guy you're in a relationship with become your child's legal father is for him to adopt your child.

PS--if the biological father refuses to sign away his rights, you may be SOL.

[ScottGem]

A birth certificate is a legal document. For your current boyfriend to sign it as the father is perjury.

If he wants to be the child's father get married and have him adopt the child.