Legal Question in Family Law in Arkansas

family wants their names the same

My child is 11. Her father only sees her once every 2 years for a short period of time. He never calls her only wants to talk to me, she always call him. When she does he lies to her constantly, always saying he is coming to see her or going to ''Do her a favor and send some money!'' but, he never does. He does not pay his child support- 6 visits and $1200 in support, never had insurance on her and when when she needed a tutor- no help on the bill $1200 for 6 months on my own. My question is ''Can he keep me from changing her last name to my future husbands'?'' or do I even have to inform him of the change? We were never married and the petition of paternity was established the first time he bothered to come see her, which was when she was three.He will not voluntarily accept this for he seems to think he is an excellent dad! Please help.


Asked on 1/10/04, 4:18 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Harvey Harris Harris Law Firm

Re: family wants their names the same

You should contact the Office of Child Support Enforcement to help you get back pay that he legally owes. They may be able to help you. As far as changing the child's name, if your husband adopts your child you can change the name. That will likely end any child support your ex- is responsible for. You may need to get his permission for your husband to adopt the child, also.

Read more
Answered on 1/10/04, 5:16 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Family Law, Divorce, Child Custody and Adoption questions and answers in Arkansas