Legal Question in Family Law in Virginia

Unknown on Birth Certificate Change name of child

If my child has my last name can I change the name to who the Father is? On the Birth Certificate the father is unknown. I know who the father is and i was wondering if I could change the child's name to his without him knowing. If so could you tell me what papers I need or how to go about doing that.


Asked on 10/29/02, 7:12 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Wayne Comer Wayne E. Comer, Esquire

Re: Unknown on Birth Certificate Change name of child

Hope you will pardon short answer but I'm pressed for time at the moment. The name change in Virginia is entirely controlled by the provisions of Code of Va., 1950, as amended. Don't believe I am permitted to give you the HTML tag for anything on this site but suggest you try search for legislative, State, Virginia, USA. Then when on the Va. Code's home page, enter your search for "name, change" Good luck.

Sincerly

Wayen E. Comer

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Answered on 11/05/02, 5:46 pm
Michael Hendrickson Law Office Michael E. Hendrickson

Re: Unknown on Birth Certificate Change name of child

Your best approach is to first file suit in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court to have paternity established along with a child support obligation. You can then pursue a name change for the child, if you wish. However, unless the first steps referenced above are taken, the second action for a name change is virtually meaningless and not worth pursuing.

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Answered on 10/29/02, 11:44 pm


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