How do I have my child's last name changed?

Question

He has his father's last name on the birth certificate, but his father has not been in his life at all and does not pay child support. I don't even know exactly where he is. I want to change my child's last name to mine. He's only 3 and I want to have it changed before he starts compiling school records. How do I file for this and does the father have to approve it? His signature is not on the birth certificate because he was not at the birth to sign it, but he is listed by me as the father. And how much does it cost to have it changed and what is the waiting period if there is one?

Answer 1

Go downtown to the Hall of Records, in the birth certificate department. Tell them what you want, and they will help you through the steps.

Answer 2

I'm a lawyer and I've done several name changes. You file a petition asking for the name change. Since you don't know where the father is, you serve him by publication in the legal section of the classified ads in your newspaper. Because my state charges a filing fee of $120 and you have to pay for publication in the newspaper, this should cost $250-$500. That's the best I can do on costs since I don't know your filing fee or how much the newspaper will charge.

Answer 3

I say keep it. Every child needs a father or atleast a rememberance of one. It sucks that his isn't worth anything, but I think he should keep the name to have the comfort of knowing he does have a dad. I would put more effort in finding him to pay child support rather than trying to change my childs name. I just don't understand why people get together and have kids and don't stay together...this world has lost all morals.

:)

Answer 4

You need to petition the court for a name change. Talk to the clerk of the court in your town. It will cost a few bucks so beware.

Answer 5

please do not change his name.his father may be the worst father and person in the world.but hes still his father. the fact that YOU chose this man to be the father of your child gives your child the right to carry his fathers name. you have to remember your child is half of his father and if you change his name what you are telling your son is that half of him has no worth. thats not how you want your son to think of himself.