Legal Question in Family Law in Arkansas
Childrens birthname change
I married recently to a lady with 2 small children.She was never married to their biological father.He has never been involved in any kind of child support.But children have his name on their birth certificate,my wife &myself want to know what is involved to have their last names changed to our last name.Thank you.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Childrens birthname change
At commonlaw, the parent of a child can change the child's name without a court order merely by using
a different name. The use of the new name must be consistent and not for fraudulent purposes.
However, this will not change the birth certificate. If you want to change the birth certificate this will
generally require an adoption by the mother and new husband. THIS COMMUNICATION DOES NOT
CONSTITUTE THE CREATION OF AN ATTORNEY-CLIENT RELATIONSHIP. Legal rights vary greatly
depending on specific facts, and it is impossible on the basis of the recitation of a few facts to
determine whether or not an individual has a viable case, what is the full range of options, or what
limitations exist which may bar an individual's potential claims. ON THE BASIS OF THE
INFORMATION PROVIDED TO ME, I RECOMMEND THAT YOU PROMPTLY CONSULT AN
ATTORNEY TO DETERMINE THE SCOPE OF LEGAL RECOURSE, IF ANY, YOU MAY HAVE. YOU
SHOULD NOT RELY ON ANYTHING I HAVE STATED AS ADVICE TO DO ANYTHING OTHER THAN
TO CONSULT AN ATTORNEY TO DISCUSS FULLY AN APPROPRIATE COURSE OF ACTION.
Alan Pransky
Law Office of Alan J. Pransky
20 Eastbrook Road