Mcminnville, TN asked in Family Law, Adoption, Child Custody and Child Support for Tennessee

Q: Can I get rights to the son I have raised and have full time his mom gets him on weekends. Biological dad is not prsnt.

My ex (also mother of my child) had a son before we got together. His biological father has never been in the picture, but is on birth certificate. Can I ever give him my last name or get rights of some sort for him? He doesn’t understand why my daughter and wife (not his mom) can have my name and he can’t. I am the only father he has ever known and he calls me Dad 90% of the time. By choice. I don’t want to take custody or rights from the mother, but I can’t even take him to a doctors on my own, his mother lives 2hrs away. She has said she will sign Any paperwork I bring her, but she won’t do any of the leg work. I have had him for 4 yrs no contact from the biological father he is in and out of jail. No idea where he is now though.

2 Lawyer Answers
Marjorie A Bristol
Marjorie A Bristol
Answered
  • Divorce Lawyer
  • Goodlettsville, TN
  • Licensed in Tennessee

A: You should consult a lawyer. Your situation is complicated by the fact that you aren't married to the mother, but there may be legal options open to you.

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