What rights does a father have to name their child?
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What rights does a father have to name their child?
I am 30 weeks pregnant. My ex left me when I was 4 months pregnant and hasn’t really been around for any of the pregnancy when we were together or after. He does, however, have this hang up about the baby’s last name. And is now stating that he will take me to court to have the name hyphenated to include both of our last names, if I don’t agree to do it myself. Does he have the right to do that, or is there even a percentage that he could get a judge to agree to it? I have tried to do research online about things like that happening but there really isn’t much out there.
Asked on November 20, 2012 under Family Law, New Hampshire
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
Under the laws of all states in this country it is the mother's perogative to name the child she gives birth to not the father particularly if the father is not going to be around when the child is born. I suggest that when the child is born, you give it the name you desire.
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