Can I give my child his father's last name if we're not married?

Full question:

I was told recently that because I am not married to my future child's father that I would not be allowed to give the baby his last name. Is this really true? I was under the impression that I would be able to give my son his father's name.

  • Category: Paternity
  • Date:
  • State: Pennsylvania

Answer:

In many states, a mother can give her child the father's last name even if they are not married. However, the specific rules can vary by state. It's important to establish paternity to ensure the father's name can be used. This often involves a legal process, especially if the father is not present at the birth. For detailed information, you can refer to state-specific laws regarding unmarried parents and paternity.

Users can search for state-specific legal templates at .

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

No, a baby does not automatically receive the father's last name. If the parents are not married, the mother typically has the right to choose the child's last name. However, establishing paternity is important if the father wishes to have his last name used. This may involve legal steps, especially if the father is not present at the birth.