My question involves name change laws in the State of: TN
My ex threw a fit when he saw I hyphenated the baby's name on the birth certificate. He filed a motion with family court to change the baby's name to take my last name out completely. He says that I hyphenated the baby's name out of spite, which is not true. I did it because I want to be identified with my child and because my family heritage means a lot to me.
So I want to know what the process is going to be like. Will I get a chance to fight to keep my name in there? Will I be asked why this is important to me? I think this is obviously in the best interest of the child because the baby will be identified with both his parents equally. I used to work at an elementary school and tons of kids now have hyphenated names.
I have tried to talk to him about it, telling him it means the world to me that the baby has my name. I have told him that I think hyphenating is the most fair option to both of us. He will not budge. I just really want to be given the chance to fight for my name. Can someone explain to me this process?

