Name Change

questions & answers

Question: My dad hasn't been apart of my life for 3 years and lives out of state.My mom has sole custody of me and I want to change my last name to my mom's maiden name. Can my sister and I have our mom change our name and does my dad need to approve it since mom has sole custody?

Answer: Typically, in a name change situation for a minor, it is simpler for the courts to get consent from both parents. However, if one parent will not sign the consent, then you may serve the petition upon him/her. If there is no objection in writing or in person, the court will typically approve the name change. If the other parent does object, the court is less likely, especially if the other parent has maintained a relationship with the child. For more information, you may want to take a look at the name change article. 

QUESTIONS

  • My dad hasn't been apart of my life for 3 years and lives out of state.My mom has sole custody of me and I want to change my last name to my mom's maiden name. Can my sister and I have our mom change our name and does my dad need to approve it since mom has sole custody?

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