Legal Question in Family Law in Illinois
Newborn child last name
The mother of my 3 week old child has given him her last name. We were never married and are not together now. Paternity tests have been done and prove that he is mine. Does she, as the mother, and with me never being married to her, pretty much have all say over what his last name shall be?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Newborn child last name
In the situation you describe, pretty much. She will almost certainly be awarded residential custody, and have control over the child. And from a common sense point of view, why should she name the child after someone he is not even in a relationship with. Percentage wise, father's in your situation are not that involved with the children. If you are one of the few that do stay involved, good for you.