My question involves name change laws in the State of: North Carolina.
When my child was born, the father (we never married) was neither supportive nor present, and for lack of knowledge of the law or a desire, my child was given no last name.
Now the father is attempting to be a part of his child's life, and with his new found desire to be involved, he insists the child have his surname even though he is inconsistent with child support and I am the child's primary caretaker.
The child is coming of an age when things like school make having an official last name necessary. I understand that with regards to the changing of a minors name both parents must give consent.
I haven't the funds or the patience to fight this in court, or with him. I'm not looking for an easy way out and I'm sympathetic to the rights of the father.
I am looking to resolve the issue regarding a child with no apparent last name without necessarily caving into an inconsistent, and at this point unworthy father.
P.s. Hyphenation is for me not out of the question. I just would like to know more about what possible options I have.

