Hi there,

I ve been seperated with my former partner and now she is pregnant with my child. I would like to know if i will be able to name the child under my family surname or not because my ex want to name the child under her family surname. I already have a 4 years daughter from her and she is named under her mum family surname. Do you think i will be able to change my 4 years daughter name in the meantime ?

Thanks

hi i have a similar problem the mother of my first son (due in november) is refusing to let my family name be carried onto my son and now she is refusing to let me have anything to do with him when he is born im not sure what to do as im not familiar with the laws ect surrounding naming and being involved with my childs upbringing any info would be appreciated?

To both of you, my advice is to seek legal advice. I'm not sure where you'd stand, but I must ask this,
Are you able, and prepared to take an active part in the upbringing, ? This would mean having the kids on alternate weekends. I know that to begin with this would not be practical, unless there is either a grandmother or another willing female involved, but, financial support is certainly recommended. And does this active part also extend to the sibling.
I have no experience with this scenario, but I have been through the system over custody for my own kids, so I think I may have some idea how the system works. But I may be barking up the wrong tree altogether.

If you are named as the childs father on the birth cert or to WINZ/IRD that will be proof and as a parent you will have all the rights and responsibilities of guardianship. You may have to get a lawyer to sort out custodial and or Access issues. If she leaves your details off all documentation and Winz and IRD are not involved then you need a lawyer to pursue recognition as the DNA contributor, Good Luck!