Thinking of Changing Your Child's Surname

Can you change your child’s last name without the other parent's permission? Almost always no. In this video, Attorney Austin Miller explains why and does give you some exceptions where this may be permissible.

In order to change a child’s last name without the permission of both parents, you’ll have to petition the courts. Under certain circumstances, this can be done. Depending on if the other parent can be found or not, or if they are refusing to allow for the name change, the court will hear your motion and apply a Best Interest Of The Child standard in making their decision.

In addition to considering the stance of the other parent, or if they can’t be found, the courts will look at these and other factors in determining what is in the best interest of the child. How long has the child had this last name? How will this name change affect the relationship with the other parent? And… but not limited to, the need to identify with a new family unit.

“If there is a dispute, you will have a difficult battle proving to the courts why the name given at birth is no longer appropriate for this child,” concludes Attorney Miller.

Just because you have sole physical custody it is still unlikely, if the other parent disputes your request that you will win this petition. Your best chance of changing a child’s last name is to get the other parent to agree that this is best for the child.