If a woman and her baby's father are not married, whose last name does the baby take?

Answer 1

Whichever last name the mother wants!

I know people who have done both, and who have hyphenated the names.

The people who knew they were not going to marry generally gave the child the mother's last name and the people who were planning to marry generally gave the fathers. One couple I know knew they wanted to marry, but the mother was not going to change her last name, so they hyphenated.

But just for information, I know a lady who was sure she was going to marry each of her baby's daddys, and now she is still single and has four kids, each with a different last name. Ihope you aren't like that, but you wanna be careful, just in case!

I have a 9 month old son, and he has his father's last name, and we are planning for a September wedding.

Answer 2

You could give the baby either name. If you want the baby to have the father's name, he has to sign the birth certificate in front of an official and that makes him legally bound to the child. You can give the baby his last name but you can't put him down as the father. My sis's son has his dad's last name but his dad could not be placed on the certificate because he was not there to sign. it is a personal choice for you and the father to make.

Answer 3

Which ever name you want to give the baby. There is no set rule saying the baby must receive the name of the mother. Your options are:

1) Same name as mother
2) Same name as father
3) Hyphenate the last name of the mother and father (there is no set order for this, ex. Taylor-Smith or Smith-Taylor)
4) Make up a last name combining the two (ex. Smith and Taylor combined as Smylor)

Congratulations!

Answer 4

That is your choice. I was not married when I had my children and I gave them their fathers last name thinking that when we did get married it would be one last thing to do....but my family thought I should give them my name since they didn't think we would stay together.
They were right! We did get married but then later divorced. For years, my kids and I had different last names. It wasn't until I remarried later that they came to me and said that they wanted the same last name as me and everyone in our household. They now go by my new married name and hardly ever use their fathers last name. It makes them feel that they belong. We are in the process of changing it legally. Think about it long and hard before you make the choice.
Good luck!

Answer 5

the baby will take your last name unless the father signs a paper at the hospital saying he is the father. you can only put someone elses last name if you are married to that person..

Answer 6

I think, it's up to you. If you want it to take the fathers surname then he needs to be their when you complete the birth certificate. If you guys are in a relationship though and plan to marry in the future it's easier now to have the fathers name as to change it after means more paperwork. Whatever works for you though. Good luck.

Answer 7

My daughter has her daddy's last name, but many women may have a different view on this issue. I feel it's a matter of personal choice and no one can really make that decision for you. Nowadays, women may put their last names, or maybe they might put their last names, a hyphen and then the baby's daddy's last name. It's something you need to discuss with your significant other. Whatever you decide, the child is still his.

Answer 8

The mother decides what name goes on the birth certificate. In some states there has to be an affidavit to even put the father's name on the certificate for couples that are not married.

Answer 9

Usually the mother's last name. Unless she wants the child to have it's father's name. This might make things a bit confussing for a small child. Mom having a different last name.....

Answer 10

its up to u if u want ur baby to have the mothers or fathers name if the fathers name is to be given he must come to the registration of the birth