I have two sons. Both from different fathers. The first I was married to and when my son was born he was put on the birth certificate after he signed paternity. My son is now 8 yrs old and does not want his fathers last name. He wants mine. I agree to this because his father is not consistent in his life and really isnt much of a father figure anyway. plus my son feels left out cuz the ppl we live with all have my last name. The Second child i was not married and I chose to put his fathers last name on the birth certificate. His paternity has already been established. But he too is a dead beat and if im gona change one of my son's last name to my last name i might as well change both. But How can i go about this and how much will it cost. I know the fathers will put up a big fight since it seems their last names are their pride yet being a true responsible father means nothing. I also want sole custody not just joint with physical custody that i have now. Is it best to do it all together or do it in peices? such as get one childs last name changed. Then go to get full custody or do i go get full custody for one child first then change the last name? Is there a way i can do both children together even though they have different fathers?
I need help. Im goin crazy. I live in Wisconsin. I have already looked into some family law lawyers but have not had time to call during business hours.Child Custody/Name Changing HELP!?If the fathers protest you may not be able to change the names. If they pay support then you should leave the names there. If not that is not reason to not have name change. This may be in the best interest of the child and that would be the way to go. Usually having a father in their life is greater than not having one at all. Support is one issue that is stronger for Dad's, but it is not definitive. Your getting sole custody is not a done deal. If fathers want to be part of this then you may be out of luck in the sole custody especially to cut out the dads.
If fathers will agree, it is much simpler. I would file for the custody first and then deal with the name change later or it could be done at one time. If boys were 12, it would be easier for you.
Good luck.Child Custody/Name Changing HELP!?I understand about deadbeat dad's I really do, but you have no right to get sole custody of the children. The only way you would ever even be considered the sole custodian is if you can prove that one of the dad's repeatedly beat the children, forced them to do drugs and over all is a danger to them physically, , and even then you may have a hard time getting a judge to terminate the other persons parental rights. Being absent does not constitute being a danger.
I know in your mind it seems that you are the only one there for them and providing for them so they should be 100% yours, but this is a legal matter that is delicate and rare. If you were to get sole custody that would absolve the men from ever having to pay child support, which is to the detriment of the child so the state would not allow this. But also it would be stripping the legal connection the children have with their dads. If the dad won the lottery and died your children would have no rights to that money because they would no longer be a legitimate child. There are many men currently paying child support for children that aren't even biologically theirs because the child was concieved during marriage and the state will not step in because they will NOT make a bastard out of your children, and they will not permit you to.
The children were given a name at birth and that is their name. The only reason a court would consider changing this is if there was an adoption by a different male or a misspelling on the original birth certificate.
In short, you have no shot of accomplishing either of these things because you have no legal right to.
