A father who refused to pay child support for his daughter for 12 years on the excuse that they didn't share a surname has been ordered to start contributing financially to her care, Shanghai Youth Daily reports.

Niu Jianjun (not his real name) divorced his wife in 1991. Their three-year-old daughter lived with her mother, and Niu was to give her 50 yuan (US$6) a month to help raise the child.

But Niu never sent the money, saying he himself was poor and the daughter went by her mother's surname.

The mother took Niu to court after losing her job this summer. Court ordered Niu to pay support until his daughter turns 18.

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