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Changing a Child's Last Name When the Father is Unknown

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  • 03-26-2014, 09:10 AM
    Quita0555
    Changing a Child's Last Name When the Father is Unknown
    My question involves name change laws in the State of: Tennessee

    My son is about to be 9 years old. I've been with my husband for almost 8 years and married for 6 years next month. I don't know who my son's biological father is but I know who's been his father since he was 6mths old. The guy I thought was his dad was tested and turned out it wasn't his son either. Anyway, a few months ago my son asked me to change his name to his "Dad's" (my husband) and my husband asked me what can we do to change it as well. So I'm here asking what can I do to change our son's last name to my husband's last name legally? I don't want to pay a huge amount of money for this to happen.



    Help me!
  • 03-26-2014, 09:26 AM
    flyingron
    Re: Change Son's Name to My Married Name
    You have to go to court to demonstrate that the name change is in the child's best interest. The question is who is listed as father on the birth certificate (and not subsequently officially disestablished). The two of you (mom and the "listed" father even if it he is not) can enter into the petition together. If no one is listed, then obviously just you.

    The court in your county may have an affadavit that you can just fill in. I was able to find one for Davidson County online.
  • 03-26-2014, 11:37 AM
    CourtClerk
    Re: Change Son's Name to My Married Name
    Why not have your husband adopt the child?
  • 03-26-2014, 11:50 AM
    Mr. Knowitall
    Re: Change Son's Name to My Married Name
    You only need to prove best interest when the name change petition is opposed. If the court accepts that the father is unknown, and that service has been adequate to inform any interested parties, then the court will primarily concern itself with whether the name change is not being pursued for an improper purpose.
  • 03-27-2014, 06:48 AM
    Quita0555
    Re: Change Son's Name to My Married Name
    Thank you. I will research that.

    - - - Updated - - -

    I never thought about that. I just assumed a name change would be enough. I'll talk to him about it.
    Thanks.

    - - - Updated - - -

    Thank you!
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