General Factors Ohio Courts Consider When Unmarried Parents Clash Over A Child’s Name Change
The process of changing your child’s last name (name change) can be quite involved. If there is a dispute between unmarried parents as to their child’s surname, there are some general name change factors that Courts in Ohio consider.
Changing the Name of a Juvenile Child
Bobo v. Jewell, the court described their review process for determining the surname of a child born to unmarried parents. The elements to be considered in a name change were:
- Length of time that the child has used a surname;
- The effect of a name change on the father-child relationship and on the mother-child relationship;
- The identification of the child as part of a family unit;
- The embarrassment, discomfort or inconvenience that may result when a child bears a surname different from the custodial parents;
- The preference of the child if the child is of an age and maturity to express a meaningful preference; and,
- Any other factor relevant to the child’s best interest. Courts should consider only those factors present in the particular circumstances of each case.
Timothy Bobo and Christina Jewell had a child while unmarried. Their … Read More... “Name Change For Child – Disputes Between Unmarried Parents”
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