Legal Question in Family Law in Indiana

Mother rights?

I have a 4 yr.old girl her father`s name is on the birth cert. but no no rights were set up in court. Father has 2 class d felonies in 1998 and in Nov 2002 was investigated in rape of 15 yr old Now that he heard I was wanting to change daughter`s last name to mine with - his He wants to take me to court for rights and custody he has never took care of her or helped out. He knows i can--name removed--get any back support so he is no hurry He makes 3x as me.What is my rights in changing last name and saftey of my child? The girl (15 yr old) was x girlfriend sister he helped raise.He is 32. Main concern is my daughter`s safety!!


Asked on 4/03/03, 12:10 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Samuel Hasler Samuel Hasler

Re: Mother rights?

First, since you have a 4 year old, if you change her name and she has a social security number, then you need to contact the Social Security Office to get this done. Second, until father tries to establish paternity you are the only one who has any rights. Third, any problem with the child visiting with father will be taken into consideration by the court. Lastly, there is a statute of limitations on paternity suits of two years. Do you really think that Dad will want to pay support? That may answer your questions about everything else.

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Answered on 4/03/03, 6:24 pm


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