how can i change my kids last name?help!?

Question

my kids were born in fl and the dad didnt sign for them so his name is not on the birth certificate now im having problems because we dont have anything to do with him we dont even know were he is and i need a passport for my kids and even if i find him he wont sign anything just to bother me how can i change teir last names to mine?
please help !

Answer 1

My daughter's father moved away when she was 9 months old and I haven't seen or heard from him in 8 yrs.
I was in the same position as you are now.You need to file a motion in family court for a name change.It may not take to long if you go down as soon as possible to get things going.But expect it to take afew weeks to get a court date and then afew more weeks for the final court order to come to you through the mail after it's been modified.Then you'll need to go down to your city hall to get the birth certificate changed with the new name.
This may differ from state to state,but that's what I needed to do to get this done.I was able to keep the father portion blank so you should be able to as well.Just tell the judge you don't know his where abouts right now.
Well Good Luck!

Answer 2

I don't think you should have a problem. getting a passport if your husband did not sign. because that means there is no information on the birth certificate showing who is the father. It should show you as the only parent on the birth certificate. there is no father according to your birth certificate. secondly you cant place someone Else's last name unless that was your married name at that time. so if you changed your last name back to your maiden name just go change your kids name go to the circuit court.. If you don't want to spend the money your kids will have your husbands last name on the passport. If you have problems traveling go your passport office in you city and explain the situation . I am sure their is some kind of form you can fill out once you show the birth certificate.

Answer 3

If the dad didnt sign for them and is not on the birth certificates why do they have his last name in the first place?
When a child is born it is "normal" to have the father's last name but not manditory.
When my daughter was born I refused to give her the fathers last name. She has mine and will continue to do so untill she is old enough to make her decisions or I marry her father.
You should go talk to a lawyer about it and get every last little bit of paper work taken care of. Full custody and name changes...etc.. Its going to cost you but it will give you peice of mind in the future and make life easier for you in the long run.
There was a case of this woman wanted to change her baby's last name from the fathers to hers and she needed permission from the father to do so... ( 30 years ago.. but be prepared for that.)
Lawyers can be expensive but at least things will be done, and done right and there is very little chance of reprocussion from the father.

Answer 4

Go to the court house where the hospital is where you had your kids. Thats where the birth certificates are and they should be able to help. But because he did no sign the birth certificate i dont know why you would need him to sign.

Answer 5

Go to the county courthouse and get the paperwork to have a name changed. it costs around $25, and a judge has to sign off on this. It takes time, so do it quickly.

it also takes about 2 months to get a passport, so if you are crunched for time, you might want to get moving on this.

Answer 6

I'm sorry... Explain to me why you had kids with a man then say you don't have anything to do with him?

And explain to me why... if his name doesn't appear on the birth certificate... that they don't already have your last name?

Are you making this stuff up as you go?

Answer 7

Kelly

Answer 8

Try city hall or some legal name changing place.

Answer 9

Contact your Clerk of Court and find out what the regulations are for your area.

Answer 10

go contact the social security office in your area and explain the situation.