37 weeks pregnant not with father & wondering if it makes difference to custody if baby has his/my last name?

Question

Im 37 weeks pregnant, I have just recently separated from my partner, the father of my baby. does it make any difference towards custody, visitation etc whether he has my last name or his?

Answer 1

Custody? No. But if you choose the father's last name and he completely drops out of the picture, it is difficult to change it to yours. Requires his permission. So long as you are aware of that, choose whichever name you wish.

Answer 2

no it doesn't matter whose last name the baby has... hopefully you and your partner are going to be able to work things out enough to where you can both be a part of the babies life... i dont know what state your in, but a lot of custodial issues parents have is if just you say you two don't get along and you don't want him to see the baby if you haven't went to court for full custody than you two both have joint full custody of the baby and he can not get into trouble for taking the baby unless he takes the baby out of state without your permission so if thats an issue for you find out what you're custodial laws are in the state you live at and get to a court asap... also you can have the fathers name on the birth certificate without the baby having the fathers last name

Answer 3

once you deliver you have the option to name the baby's father on the birth certificate. It is you choice to list his name or not and what last name to give the child. If paternity is not established at the hospital with the proper acknowledgement of paternity forms signed and filed, you will have to either go through your local domestic relations office or even you local court house to establish paternity. Just because a child does not carry the father's name does not mean that the father cannot seek parental rights such as visitation and/or custody. Check with your local Domestic Relations Office, and/or area courthouse on laws in your area and what your options are.

Answer 4

It might matter a lot if something happened to him and you were to try to get survior benefits from Social Security or if something happened to the child and you had to apply to social security. It's always better for the child to have the father's name whether or not you add yours or not. IF you don't and you have to prove when the father isn't there that he is how would you do that??? It's something that you could change latter if the father isn't in the picture for years but you can't add it later if he's not to prove that he is the father. Also the child has a right to know who his father is even if the father isn't involved with the child it's part of who the child is. Let the child decide if it comes to that when they are older whether to have contact with the father. But at least give them a place to start.

Answer 5

No, the baby's name doesn't affect custody, visitation or child support. Only if he contests the fact that he is the father would, or refuses to sign the birth certificate as the father. A court can order a DNA test to confirm paternity.

Answer 6

No, a baby can have whatever name you give it so names mean nothing. Except of course to a parent. Mothers almost always have an easier time getting custody because an infant needs to be with its mother a lot while they are little. Not only for the bonding but also because most babies breastfeed at the beginning.

Answer 7

I don't think it will make a difference. I was in a similar situation recently. It only came down to do I want my baby to have a different name than me if we don't get back together? I was advised by many people strongly to give the baby my last name. I personally ended up hyphenating the last name. I figured if we got back together and I married him I would do that to mine and my baby would still have my last name and his.

Any of the legal thing matters is if he signs the papers admitting he is the father since the two of you aren't married. Then it would have no affect.

Answer 8

Congratulations! Firstly I'd like to say that your other children's names are really great, especially Rosa Madeline that is adorable. Oh rating 1-bad 10-great Boy names:- Gabriel Lucas - never liked the name Gabriel it sounds really soft however I really like Lucas that much more masculine sounding name 5 just because of Gabriel. Elijah Zachary - love the name Elijah that is such a great biblical name meaning My god is the lord. Zachary goes with Elijah nicely 10. Maxim Oscar - doesn't sound nice Maxwell Oscar does though 4. Girl names:- Ella Grace - very girly short simple name that sounds youthful it doesn't age well due to the fact that Ella sounds very youthful, apart from this the name is great 8. Isabella Charlotte - oh this sounds so regal and pretty. Isabella meaning god is my vow, is a beautiful classy name and I adore with Charlotte which is a very regal name. It sounds young yet ages well 10. Ruby Evelyn - fine but it isn't as beautiful as Isabella Charlotte. Love evelyn though 8. Hope this helps!

Answer 9

I believe in California that if the father's name is on the birth certificate, you have a better chance of getting support from him. Other than that, there is no reason you have to put his name on the birth certificate. You should ask your local authorities about the custody and visitation laws in your area.

Answer 10

It doesnt make a difference who's last name he has. But if he signs the birth certificate it makes the world of difference. It gives him the right to not give you your child back if you leave your baby with him. Legally since he is the babys parent, not even the police can make him give your baby back until you go to court...and that process could take weeks and even months. Goodluck mommy.