Alex Can you give your child a different last name at birth?
You can pretty much give your baby any random surname you want, in the U.S.. In certain jurisdictions, in paternity cases, however, the father can petition to have the name changed on the birth certificate to his last name.
Can a mother change a baby last name?
Both legal parents have the right to name a child or to request a name change. However, one parent can’t change a child’s name without the approval of the other parent. Thus, if the mother doesn’t approve, then the father requesting the name change must file a petition with the court for a decision.
Can your child use a different last name at school?
2 attorney answers As long as there is no fraud involved in using a different name, you can inform the school of the name you want her records filed under and take steps for the legal name change. If the school wants some document to confirm the name, tell them the matter is “pending”. They may not even ask.
Can a unmarried mother put her last name on a birth certificate?
Typically, that is the last name of the mother if she is not married and the last name of the father if married. There are states that allow unmarried mothers to choose her or the father’s name. Some states, including Delaware, Montana, and Maryland, have no restriction on how you register the last name in the birth record.
Can the mother decide on the baby’s last name in California?
In California, as in many states, parents are free to give their child whatever last name they choose, including the mother’s surname, father’s surname or a completely different surname altogether. If an unmarried woman gives birth, she is free to make this decision by herself.
Can a father choose the baby’s last name?
As a result, he and his wife have equal rights to name their child, including choosing the child’s last name. Medical personnel will likely presume the parents want to give the child the father’s surname, but the parents are free to give the child any last name they choose.
Can a woman give her baby a different last name?
It can also be a matter or women’s liberation, not wanting to go with the societal default of the man’s last name. Whatever the reason, it’s an interesting question and brings up a lot of issues. But as far as the legality of it all, you can safely give your child a different last name or any last name you choose.
Can a mother change the last name on a birth certificate?
State laws vary regarding the right of the mother to solely choose the child’s last name. Some states give that right to the mother while other states require both parents to agree on the child’s last name. Just like many legal documents, you can change a birth certificate.
As a result, he and his wife have equal rights to name their child, including choosing the child’s last name. Medical personnel will likely presume the parents want to give the child the father’s surname, but the parents are free to give the child any last name they choose.
In California, as in many states, parents are free to give their child whatever last name they choose, including the mother’s surname, father’s surname or a completely different surname altogether. If an unmarried woman gives birth, she is free to make this decision by herself.
Can a custodial mother change her child’s surname?
After the birth certificate is completed, another naming issue may arise if the parents divorce or split up. Often, a custodial mother will seek to change the child’s surname to the new stepfather’s. Sometimes, she will seek to change the child’s surname to her own “maiden” or birth name.