MS SB2080

Amends paternity determination law to allow the surname of a child born to unmarried parents to be either as agreed upon by both natural parents or as determined by a court according to the best interests of the child.

When a court determines paternity, the court shall determine the child's surname by considering the child's age, length of time using a particular surname, and the child's preference if old enough to express one.

Permits parents to agree on a child's surname in a voluntary acknowledgment of paternity, rather than automatically assigning the father's surname.

Allows voluntary acknowledgments of paternity to be rescinded within one year or before a judicial proceeding, and after one year only on grounds of fraud, duress, or material mistake of fact.

Takes effect July 1, 2013.