Full question:
I recently found out via a dna test that i am the father of a 19 year old girl. She initiated the request stating she only wanted to know who her dad is, we are getting along great, she never asked for money nor did her mother. She would like to get her last name changed to the same as mine. If i do this, is it possible that the state of alaska will ask me for 18 years of child support? I believe the mother only had public assistance for a couple of years in the childs entire life. Will getting the name change spark an investigation into any of this?
- Category: Paternity
- Subcategory: Child Support
- Date:
- State: Alaska
Answer:
A legal name change can occur for various reasons, including a desire for a different name. Generally, a name change cannot be for fraudulent purposes, such as evading debts. In most states, including Alaska, a court order is necessary for a legal name change.
When considering a name change for a child, the court evaluates several factors, such as how long the child has used their current name, their identification with a family unit, and any potential discomfort from having a different surname than the custodial parent. The child's preference is also considered if they are old enough to express it.
While a name change typically does not directly relate to child support issues, if paternity is established, the court may order back child support. If a paternity action is initiated, the likelihood of being ordered to pay past child support increases. Therefore, changing your daughter's last name may prompt the court to examine paternity and related support obligations.
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.