Thinking of Changing Your Child's Surname
The first step is to file a Petition for Child's Name Change (minor children). However, the chances of successfully changing your child's last name without the other parent's consent are slim. The Court will consider the best interest of the child when they make their final decision.
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 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.
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