QUESTION:
I duly acknowledged a child born from a previous relationship. We were never married. I supported her and the baby throughout (from the time she was pregnant, up to the time the baby was born and up to present time). The baby used my surname. However, doubts about paternity kept bugging me, and I was genuinely tortured by the possibility. We took the DNA test. As it turned out, I am not the father. Now, my question is, can the surname be reverted back to the child’s mother?
ANSWER:
Yes, considering the lack of blood relations between you and the child.
Under our law…
The surname to be used by an illegitimate child – or one that’s born outside of wedlock…
Is principally the surname of the mother.
If there’s an acknowledgment, the child can use the father’s surname.
Conversely, the surname to be used by a legitimate child…
Is principally the surname of the father.
If there’s a proper and reasonable cause, the legitimate child can use his or her mother’s surname.
So, going back to your case…
The answer is yes, it’s possible to compel the child to no longer use your surname considering the lack of blood relations.
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