Last names and birth certificates??

Hi , just wondering if anyone can help...

We were hoping to hyphenate both our last names for the child's last name, but wondered how this works with the birth certificate? Has anyone done this and how did it all work?

Also, if anyone has had a known donor who wishes not to be on the birth certificate, how does this work where it asks for father's name or an explanation?

I know it sounds complicated, but someone HAS to have done this before! Would LOVE any help here or even just to know what other lesbian couples did in regards to this!

:) Thanks!!

where are u i believe in QLD u can have both ur names on the birth certificate but im not sure about anywhere else

You are allowed to give the baby any surname you like. Whether its hyphenated or not. That is totally up to you.
I'm not sure about yours & your partner's names. Maybe your DP's name would go where the fathers name would be? Not sure there, but I know someone has the answer for you :)

Yep, the baby can have any last name. Actually, I don't even think the last name has to even be a 'family' name... you could just make one up as far as I know (but then... I don't REALLY know lol, so best to check it with a professional!).

Depending on which state you are in depends on what happens with the birth certificate.
QLD has passed the act which allows both mums on the birth certificate, but not yet proclaimed it, so it isn't technically 'in' yet. NSW allows both mums on the birth certificate. So does WA I believe. Not sure about the other states. I'm pretty sure SA is still in the dark ages about it...

As for the donor, well for me I just wrote 'unknown donor' where they wanted to fathers details and that was it, the birth certificate came back with nothign written there, just a blank space. Can't wait until QLD get their act together and my partners name can be there...

I don't think there would be any issues with hyphenating the name on the birth certificate? My DD has a hyphenated surname (mine and my DH's) :)

I thought you could name any man on a birth certificate and if he signs it that's it- he's the Dad. Unless he or another man wants to contest it with a DNA test (which obviously wouldn't come up in your case).

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I thought you could name any man on a birth certificate and if he signs it that's it- he's the Dad. Unless he or another man wants to contest it with a DNA test (which obviously wouldn't come up in your case).

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I am pretty sure they aren't wanting to name ANY man on the birth certificate meow ;)

I found this on the NSW births, deaths and Marriages website;

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to obtain a "Same Sex Parents Birth Registration Statement". The Miscellaneous Act Amendment Act came into effect on 17 September 2008. Subject to the requirements of the Act, both women in a same sex defacto relationship may now be recognised on their child's birth certificate.

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So you have to contact them about this.

I assume this is what Leasha is talking about?

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I am pretty sure they aren't wanting to name ANY man on the birth certificate meow ;)

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Oh der. Sorry for not reading the OP properly!! I saw the bit about donor but am foggy with baby brain so my apologies.

We are in WA and used an unknown donor,
Our our buba boy's birth cert if states mother 1 (Me, Tummy Mummy) & mother 2 (my partner- other mummy)

We don't have a section for father der cause our bubs doesn't have one.
We had to ring briths/deaths & Marriages to get a special birth cert application form :)

congrats on your bub buy the way

xx
B

Thanks everyone, that has really helped actually. Think we might try the "unknown donor" thing and see if that works. LOL@ Leasha's reply earlier, you were right, we don't want to list any man on the birth certificate! Hahaha.
Thanks again, only a week to go...bring it on. :dance:

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LOL@ Leasha's reply earlier, you were right, we don't want to list any man on the birth certificate! Hahaha.

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And rightfully so. The whole mother/father thing on all forms (child care, school etc) pees me off. Parent one/parent two would be sufficent.

All the best with your new little baby boy!!!

Thanks Meow!
Your little boy has a gorgeous name! We have been thinking of names for ages! Had heaps to start with and then had to narrow them down!

I am Sooo excited my DP asleep, she is so tired, not sleeping well at night, poor thing...can not wait until baby is here.

;)