[Hopefullmom]

I did not list a father on my child's birth certificate. I am now married and husband wants to give the child his last name. We now live in another state but child was born in Arkansas. Can someone please advise us.

[Fr_Chuck]

Hello, well unless your name is Mary, there has always been a father somewhere, Just not listing a father does not take away any of the fathers rights, nor does it take away any of the fathers obligations.

I would hope you have been getting your child support, if not, that is something you should have done.

Are you wanting only a name change, or are you wanting him to adopt the child, those are two different issues.

If you want him to adopt, you contract the child's father and get his permission. And file with family court

[s_cianci]

Your husband would have to adopt your child. This would require the consent of the biological father, or at least a demonstration on your part that you've made every good faith attempt to contact him if he's nowhere to be found.