Last name of yet to be born child

[PBinOhio]

What is the name of your state? Ohio

My wife's cousin will be having a baby within the next few weeks and she is currently planning on giving the baby the father's last name.

Currently, her, and the baby's father are not married, but are living together. My MIL advised my wife of single mother's who experienced problems later on with the difference between the last name of the mother, and the last name of the child.

My question is this:

What types of legal issues could the new mother and child expect if she gives the child the fathers last name? If you know of some real life examples that would be great.

[Zigner]

The mother can name the child whatever she chooses. There are no legal "issues" that cannot be easily overcome.

[Ohiogal]

Originally Posted by PBinOhio

What is the name of your state? Ohio

My wife's cousin will be having a baby within the next few weeks and she is currently planning on giving the baby the father's last name.

Currently, her, and the baby's father are not married, but are living together. My MIL advised my wife of single mother's who experienced problems later on with the difference between the last name of the mother, and the last name of the child.

My question is this:

What types of legal issues could the new mother and child expect if she gives the child the fathers last name? If you know of some real life examples that would be great.

I agree with Zigner. Worst case scenario is the father is not actually the father when a DNA test is done.