What are the rights of single parents when it comes to giving the child the last name of the father?

Answer by  whobesidesme (406)

If the dad isn't in the picture, the choice is yours. Give him your last name. Almost all of the child's rights lay with the mother. Both of these other answers are 100% on the money as well.

Answer by  TheAnswerFairy (2345)

You can give your child absolutely any last name you want. It does not have to be his father's last name, or even yours. But, make sure the father's name is on the birth certificate for child support purposes. It is his legal responsibility.

Answer by  tamarawilhite (17883)

A child born to unmarried parents automatically assumes the mother's last name unless the mother chooses to have the father's name used instead. The father cannot force this if you are not married.