Asked in Child Custody for Arkansas

Q: How do i add my name to my sons birth certificate without his mothers cooperation and how do I find out who has custody?

She signed over custody for a period of time to someone else because she couldnt provide for him and I have no idea if it is still in effect.I was incarcerated for 2 1/2 years out of 3 of my sons life.Ive always wanted to be involved but his mother was uncooperative. She currently has our child under the impression her live in bf is his father and will not allow me to tell him I am his father.I'm only allowed to see him once a week for a few hours at a time.Any advice would be greatly appreciated.I want to fight for custody but I'm afraid to make his mother angry because she has threatened to just sever all contact.I am employed stable and have no history of violence or abuse.I just want the chance to raise my son.

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1 Lawyer Answer
Stefan K. McBride
Stefan K. McBride
Answered
  • Divorce Lawyer
  • Hope, AR
  • Licensed in Arkansas

A: If the mother of the child does not agree to the name change, you will have to petition a court to change the birth certificate. There are several factors that a court will use to determine whether it is in the child's best interest to allow the name change.

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