Who can decide a baby's name and fill out the birth certificate?

Full question:

My daughter is expecting a child in August. They have been arguing about the name. My son-in-law is insisting that she name this child after his grandmother and she is adament about another name. What I want to know is, can anyone beside the mother decide the name and anyone other than herself fill out the birth certificate? He is telling her he is going to do it at the hospital while she is asleep.

  • Category: Minors
  • Date:
  • State: Tennessee

Answer:

Laws vary by state. Generally, the mother has the primary right to choose the child's name. However, in some states, both parents may need to agree on the name. Regarding the birth certificate, typically, the mother or a designated person can fill it out. If the mother is incapacitated, the father may be able to complete it, but this can depend on state laws. It's important for your daughter to understand her rights and possibly seek legal advice if there are disagreements.

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

Typically, the mother has the primary right to choose the child's name. However, in many states, both parents must agree on the name. If there is a disagreement, it may be necessary to seek mediation or legal advice to resolve the issue.

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