[Momtolittleone]

I recently had a child. The father was not there to sign the birth certificate. Now he wants her to have his last name. We are not married and I basically paid for doct. bills, baby supplies, etc. for her. I won't deny him seeing her, but I would like for her to have my last name. My questions are as follows:
1. Can he get her last name changed without my concent?
2. If paternity is established through a DNA test, will they automatically change her name to his?
3. What is the difference with her having my last name instead of his?

I reside in TN, Shelby county.

[Neal1421]

1. No
2. No
3. Ask yourself that question. What is the difference?

Depending on the age of the child, the judge can order that the name be changed if he petitions the court after paternity has been established.

With that being said, since paternity has not been established I assume that there is no cs order. Without a cs order, he is not legally obligated to pay anything.