How do i go about changing my daughters last name to be the same as fathers.?

Question

My girlfriend and I live together and support our daughter together. I was there for the birth and i am still here and have no plans of leaving and we will be getting married soon, probably after i finish college next year. At the hospital, after my daughters birth, my girlfriends mother somehow talked her daughter into pushing me aside and giving the baby her last name instead of mine. Well, I believe it is my right for my daughter to hold my name, no matter what my g.f. or her mother say. It makes me feel like a deadbeat or a sissy that no matter how hard i try to stand up for what i think is right; her and her family push me down, what can i do to give my daughter my last name?

Answer 1

Since you two were not married at the time of your daughter's birth, there may be a problem.  There certainly are problems with your girlfriend and her family which will definitely impact your planned marriage.

See an attorney who specializes in family law and determine what your rights as the father are in your state, whether you need DNA testing to prove paternity, whether you have any right to change your child's name, etc.

You might consider proposing a hyphenated last name for your child, as in "Missy Smith-Jones" and see whether your girlfriend (and her family) are willing to meet you halfway.

Answer 2

let go of the anger that is raging beneath the surface; anger drives a runaway train!

go to a local attorney and ask if they will help you pro bono if you don't have the funds; or on time payments, and they will fill in the necessary forms, and file them with the court; then you publish the name for 30 or 60 days in a local paper, and if no one objects legally, the judge signs an order legally changing the name.

good luck.

Answer 3

Maybe just try to talk to your girlfriend?  Taking legal action seems like it would kind of wreck your relationship and prevent you from getting married.  Which is more important?

Answer 4

yep go to an attorney. but no, theyre not trying to push you down by not using your name. it is just common practice when youre not married, and less hassle for the daughter later just in case you found somebody in college

Answer 5

1) Marry the girl NOW.

2) Support your wife financially, mentally, spiritually and physically. Change half the diapers. Watch your child on weekends, when you are not working, to give your wife a break. Read to her. Toss a coin every night; heads you cook and the wife washes up while you read to your daughter, tails the opposite.

3) Continue for five years, so that her family knows you are not a sissy or a deadbeat. Talk is cheap. Work is hard. Real men don't say much; they work. Figure on 6 hours of sleep a night for the next three years. Less every month or two, when your daughter has colic or an earache.

4) After five years, ask if you can change her name.

Otherwise, you are just a sperm donor.

> have no plans of leaving . . .

No one does, until they meet someone who is younger, prettier, a better cook or just a bigger bra size. Talk is cheap.