Does father have right to change child's last name

[bkmay]

I am from Indianapolis,Indiana. I have a daughter that will be 5 in September this year. I was never married to her father and he has been out of the picture for a very long time until last night. He showed up and said that he demands that I change her last name to his. She has my last name, he is listed on the birth certificate and did sign it at the time of her birth. I do not want it changed, and I do not know what the laws are on this topic. Please help me with any information or direct me to the best place to look. I want to be prepared when he tries to fight me on this. I am very upset at the thought that he is going to be able to waltz in here after years and be able to have her name changed. Thanks for any and all help.

 

[deefran]

The father can not change your daughter's last name without you agreeing on this. If you and he were never married, it was your right as to what you wanted the child's last name to be. He is probably just trying to scare you, I wouldn't stress too much about it. Tell him he can demand as much as he wants but unless he plans on a legal battle you don't have to change anything.
I would suggest that you establish custody/visitation guidelines quickly though, if you haven't already, as he may try that next.

[Edited by deefran on 07-29-2001 at 06:05 PM]

 

[dorenephilpot]

Deefran is correct.

If you weren't married, you can name the child anything you want -- even someone else's name. He can't force you to do otherwise.

You can AGREE to change it, however.

I would suggest that Mr. Control Freak Deadbeat be taken to court to set up a child support and parenting time schedule.