Can I change my last name now?

Question

I'm 16 but my dad left when I was little and hasn't been much a father. He doesn't pay child support or come see me and my mom has full custody of me. My sister's (technically half-sister) dad has always treated me like his own, and I'm considered part of his family.

There's just one thing: my last name. My family's last name is well known but mine is different. I want to change it to be official.

Can I change it now or do I have to wait till I'm 18? Does my real father have to have any consent in this (my mom would okay with it)? What would I have to do to change it?

Answer 1

You can change it now

Answer 2

hey, whats up, actually can you email me, [e-mail], im from the last question you answered

Answer 3

It does not matter the time or when,  I can say the time is now, after all he is your dad.  You could have adapted the name immediately you were born.  You have all the right to do that now.

Answer 4

Would your stepdad be willing to adopt you?  If so, then you need your biodad's consent for you to be adopted.  He'd probably say yes.

Before you get adopted, see if you can't get a child support judgment against your father.  You may be able to collect from his tax refund or other sources, and a judgment can be enforced for a number of years, at least here in CA.  Maybe it's time to talk to a family law atty about both things.  

I don't know what state you're in so I don't know if you can change your name as a minor.  Your mom might be able to petition the court on your behalf, since her name has changed and it's easier for everyone in the family to have the same name, or maybe insurance requires it--whatever she wants to tell the court.