I made the mistake of giving my son his father's last name at birth. His father left shortly after he was born and hasn't been involved since. My son has started kindergarten and our different last names is already causing some confusion on several occassions. Nothing major that can't be explained after showing a few forms of identification and a birth certificate, but I'd like to change his name to mine before he gets any older mostly because I have raised him on my own all this time and I'm the one who will always be there for him. What is involved (paperwork, fees, etc?) Do I need an attorney or can I file everything on my own?
2007-09-27 15:40:23 · 2 answers · asked by greeneyedann 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
you, or a lawyer, can file a petition for name change on behalf of your son with the court. As long as you can make a showing that there is NO FRAUD intended in the change, the court will usually grant these.
2007-09-27 15:44:46 · answer #1 · answered by Mike 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Contact the Bureau of Vital Statistics in the state you reside. You can file an amendment of the birth certificate to reflect the last name you want. I don't know the current cost but it is not much(50 dollars maybe?). There may be some other small fees but overall it is relatively cheap.
You can look online, type in Bureau of Vital Statistics and click on your state and it will outline what the requirements are for changing his last name.
2007-09-27 22:45:44 · answer #2 · answered by Glen B 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋