Legal Question in Family Law in Michigan
Child name change & Power of Attorney
Few months after birth, my daughter's father has not been in her life. He is on the birth certificate. We were never married. When my daughter turned 1 we moved to California. I want to change her last name. Do I need his permission? Do I have to file to be a custodial parent or is that an obvious already? Or obtain legal documents saying I am the custodial parent? How could I prove he is not in her life. I do not get any type of child support. Also if I wanted to give my parents the power of attorney for medical care and education, how do I go upon doing that? They live in Michigan, she spends half the year over in Michigan. While I finish school in California. Thank you very much.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Child name change & Power of Attorney
You have a choice, you can file a name change petition, which you would have to serve on the father and yes, get his consent or lack or opposition, which I wouldn't recommend. Or, you can file a paternity action, get a sole legal and physical custody order, get a child support order and seek a name change, which I would recommend.