Legal Question in Family Law in California

Minor name change/unsupervised visits

My child is almost a year old. My girlfriend was a minor when she became pregnant. I had just turned 18. I plead guilty to PC M261.5(A)(Unlawful sexual intercourse w/minor under 18) When my child was born, I could not go down and sign the birth cert. because part of my probation terms was to have no contact with her directly/indirectly. She's 18 now, and I petition for paternity and visitation. I have been getting visitation, and was ordered to pay child support. We have another court date coming up. I know the child is mine and I want my child to have my last name. Can I get my named amended to the birth cert.? I want to sign the voluntary declaration of paternity, can I still do this? Am I going to need an attorney to get results? She has an attorney. Currently my visitations are supervised, because of my conviction. Any advise?


Asked on 8/26/06, 8:34 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Samuel Lovely Law Office of Samuel Lovely

Re: Minor name change/unsupervised visits

It sounds as if you are in the process of a petition to establish, which will result in a legal determination of parentage, effectively amending the birth certificate. The conviction, whether justified or no, could effect your visitation rights long term (and, in turn, the amount of support). This is a situtation where representation could well improve your prospects. You may contact my office to schedule a free consultation in person or via telephone.

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Answered on 8/27/06, 6:00 pm


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