Legal Question in Family Law in New Jersey

Unmarried mother being forced to name father

Can an unmarried mother be forced to name the father of her child? I have no interest in maintaining a relationship with the man who fathered my child because he has stalked me, harrassed me by phone, held me captive in his car, etc. Frankly, I am afraid of him, and afraid for my child. He has gone to county court and petitioned the court to hold a paternity hearing. I have been summoned to appear with my child. In the hospital, the social services people told me I did not have to name him on the birth certificate, nor give my child his last name. I did not name him on the certificate, nor did I give his last name to my child. Please, please consider my question for a reply.


Asked on 10/04/03, 1:54 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Gary Moore Gary Moore Attorney At Law

Re: Unmarried mother being forced to name father

He wins.

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Answered on 10/04/03, 4:43 pm
Bruce Matez Gerstein Grayson, LLP

Re: Unmarried mother being forced to name father

Simply answered, NO. You do not have to name him. If he wants to assert his parental rights, he must file an application to have the birth certificate amended or an application for custody/visitation etc.

If you wish to further discuss this matter please feel free to contact my secretary, Debbie, at 856-795-6700 to schedule a consultation.

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Answered on 10/09/03, 5:11 pm


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