Full question:
I have been in a relationship with a woman who has been separated from her husband for quite some time. During this separation we established a relationship and she became pregnant and recently gave birth. The mother and I acknowledged that I am the father of the child. Her husband also acknowledges that he is not the father. My daughter's birth certificate shows the husband as the father. How do I get this changed so to establish paternity and show that I am the legal biological father?
- Category: Paternity
- Date:
- State: National
Answer:
To change the father's name on the birth certificate, you need a court order establishing paternity. You can file a complaint to establish paternity in the county where you, the mother, or the child resides. The juvenile court or any trial court with general jurisdiction can handle this action.
According to Tennessee law (Tenn. Code Ann. § 68-3-305), if the mother was married at the time of birth, the husband is listed as the father on the birth certificate. However, if you can prove paternity through a court ruling, your name can be added as the biological father.
Once paternity is established by the court, the father's name and the child's surname can be updated on the birth certificate accordingly.
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.