Case ID: ad2d_104/html/0716-01.html
Source: Caselaw Access Project
Author: {"author": "", "license": "Public Domain", "url": "https://static.case.law/"}
Date Created: 2024-08-24T03:29:51.129683

In the Matter of Jere C. Cohan, Petitioner, v Patrick J. Cunningham, as Onondaga County Court Judge, et al., Respondents.
   — Application unanimously denied and petition dismissed, without costs. Memorandum: Petitioner seeks to vacate an order issued by respondent which granted an application to petitioner’s former spouse to change the surname of their son.

Although a father has a recognized interest in having his child bear his surname (see, e.g., Matter of Yessner, 61 Misc 2d 174; Matter of Hinrichs v Beinecke, 41 Misc 2d 422; Steinbach v Steinbach, 119 NYS2d 708; cf. Matter of “Shipley”, 26 Misc 2d 204), neither parent has a superior right to determine the surname of the child, and the question is always whether the best interest of the child will be served by the proposed change.

The petition fails to state a cause of action pursuant to CPLR article 78 and is dismissed. We note that the proper manner to challenge the order complained of is by appeal (see CPLR 7801, subd 1). (Art 78.) Present — Dillon, P. J., Doerr, Green, Moule and Schnepp, JJ.