Legal Question in Family Law in Illinois

Child's surname

I had a child, I was not married and the father is not listed on the birth certificate. he is trying to make me change the childs last name to his. Can he do that?


Asked on 1/29/08, 10:29 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Peter Olson The Olson Law Firm, LLC

Re: Child's surname

The short answer is YES. But it's more involved than that. I'd need o hear more about where things stand...did father sign a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity? Has he been declared the father through court proceedings? The main thing that jumps out to me from your post is if he isn't the LEGAL father yet then he likely cannot pursue this name change. Are you getting child support? Does the father do visitation?

Talk to you soon.

Read more
Answered on 1/30/08, 12:51 pm


Related Questions & Answers

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