If you’ve established paternity for a child, you may want to change the child’s last name. This is possible in most states, but the process varies. Here’s what you need to know about changing a child’s name after paternity is established.
What Is Paternity?
Paternity is the legal recognition that a man is the biological father of a child. Establishing paternity creates legal rights and responsibilities. Once established, you can change the child’s last name to match the father’s surname.
Updating the Birth Certificate
After paternity is established, the birth certificate should be updated to reflect the father’s name. You’ll need to contact your state’s vital records office and request an amended birth certificate. The process typically requires:
- The original birth certificate
- Court order establishing paternity
- Completed application form
- Identification documents
Court-Ordered Name Change
In many states, you’ll need a court order to change the child’s legal name. This usually requires filing a petition in family court. The court will review the request and, if in the child’s best interest, approve the name change. The process varies by state and may take several weeks to months.
Consent Requirements
In most states, if the child is age 14 or older, they must consent to the name change. For younger children, typically only the custodial parent and the father (if his paternity is established) need to consent. The court may also require notice to the other parent or guardian.
Getting a Certified Copy
Once the name change is official, you can request certified copyies of the amended birth certificate from your state’s vital records office. These updated documents can be used for enrollment in school, insurance, and other purposes that require proof of the child’s legal name.
Timeline and Costs
The court process typically takes 2-6 months, depending on your state’s court system. Costs include court filing fees (usually $200-500) and certified copy fees from the vital records office. Some jurisdictions offer fee waivers for low-income families.