Does an underage parent have the right to chose the babies last name, or do the grandparents?

im 17 and my girlfriend is 16, her parents are forcing her to chose her last name but me and her want it mine. who has the say in the matter, us or her parents.

Does an underage parent have the right to chose the babies last name, or do the grandparents?
It is the parents right to choose their child's last name.


Grandparents do not have the right, and they cannot force their daughter to choose their grandchild's last name.


You are the child's biological and legal father, the child has the right to your last name.


Being underage is irrelevant.
Reply:While the biological parents have the right to choose the last name, in reality where you have a 16 year old child who is pregnant and living at home, pressure fair or not will come from her parents who most likely will be the primary care giver for the child





In general in regard to underage pregnancy, it鈥檚 very common for the child to take the last name of the mother since I said its high probability her family will be the primary care giver makes everything easier





Now if you are talking about getting a full time job and getting married you may have more say
Reply:Most states give a great deal of leeway to the underage parent when making decisions.





Without knowing what state you are in, I can't provide any links. The laws do vary from state to state.





I have a feeling that the reason her parents are doing this, is that they know the chances of yrou relationship lasting is slim, once that happens, the child is left out in the cold with a different last name than anyone else. At least this way, the child has the family name.





At 17, how are you going to pay child support? You need to be stockign up on stuff NOW, not "I'm gonna get a job soon', you need to have one now and start putting some money away.
Reply:No, the parents of the child name the child. If you are shown as the father on the birth certificate, then the baby can/should have your last name. They are pis*ed off at you for getting her pregnant, and it sounds like they want you out of the picture.
Reply:You and your girlfriend do.





She is a mother now and is going to have to do alot of growing up real fast. If she wants the baby to have your last name, she should speak up for herself.
Reply:The mother of the baby BUT her parents may be thinking of what is in the best interest of the baby in case you two do not get married.
Reply:I think maybe the Persons "supporting" the kid should name it.
Reply:the mother always has legal authority over her child until that child is of legal age.