Legal Question in Family Law in Indiana

My son is 18 and his girlfriend is 16. We just found out she is pregnant. The conception happend when he was still a minor. They are stil dating. Can he be charged with crime? Also the last name of the baby is still a question. He wants the baby to have his last name. Who decides? Is it up to the minor mother or her parants? I want to support my son in his quest to have the baby have his last name. Are there good reasons I can present to the girl and her family that the baby should have his last name? We live in Indiana.


Asked on 4/29/12, 8:08 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Jay Rigdon Rockhill Pinnick LLP

Can he be charged with crime? Not just due to the age difference.

Who decides (the last name)? Ultimately the judge in the paternity case does. If nothing is ever filed, then the mother's wishes will remain.

Are there good reasons I can present to the girl and her family that the baby should have his last name? Not in my opinion. Your son may present such good reasons however. This is a good situation to get your son to an attorney and then stay away from it.

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Answered on 5/03/12, 10:35 am


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