Having your mother’s surname deemed ‘un-Australian’

The three year old twins in question were conceived after a brief relationship and have their mother’s surname on their birth certificates despite paternity tests that confirmed the man, known as Mr. Gaynor, as their biological father.

Mr Gaynor insisted the mother never intended to use his name because she thought her sons would be teased at school. His court case was based on what he described as an “expectation in 21st century Australia” and how important it was for his son's “sense of identity.” These claims were rejected by the court, and both parents were ordered to attend couples separation therapy.