questions & answers

Question: Hi, I was wondering if somebody could tell me what the processes for removing a father off of my three-year-old daughter’s birth certificate and changing her name? He is her biological father, however a year and a half ago we moved to a different state and he has not bothered to have any contact with her for over a year And of course has never paid child support. I’d like to take him off of her birth certificate and change her name to my name instead. Thank you for your advice!

Answer: Your question doesn't provide enough information for a definitive answer.  Before you left Arizona, was there a custody order in place?  Is there a court order requiring him to pay child support?  Does the father still live in Arizona?  Both parents need to sign the affidavit to change a child's last name.  Will he be willing to sign?  Because your child is more than one year old, you will need to file a petition for a name change in Arizona Superior Court.  I am directing you to the website for the Vital Records department.  There you will find the information you need. Go to: https://azdhs.gov/licensing/vital-records/#corrections-amendments-registrants-name. If you are in a position to move forward, you can get the forms and instructions you need on the court's website.  Go to: https://www.azcourts.gov/selfservicecenter/Forms/Name-Change.