Legal Question in Family Law in Massachusetts

Name Change of Child

I am marrying a woman who has a 13 year old child born out of wedlock. The child was given her mother's last name at birth. Her mother has full legal and physical custody. The mother and father never married. After they split up, the father was ordered to pay child support and some medical costs. He has some visitation rights also. My question is: Since the child has the mother's last name and not the father's, can it be changed to my last name when we are married without the father having a legal argument?


Asked on 5/21/07, 10:01 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
henry lebensbaum Law Offices of Henry Lebensbaum (978-749-3606)

: Name Change of Child

I assume that you have considered the legal and psychological impact.

It is my recall that the biological father would have to sign off, or that you would have to over come his refusal to sign.

Should you need assistance, contact me.

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Answered on 5/21/07, 10:13 pm


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