Changing a childs surname?

Question

Has anyone gone through the process of changing their childs last name? or even adding a surname?

When my son was born he was named after my boyfriend and I really thought that I was ok with that.

But now I am having second thoughts as we are in the process of splitting up and I would like to add my surname...is it hard to do and do I need my boyfriends permission?

Answer 1

You have to petition the courts for a name change by filing certain paperwork. How this works will vary from state to state, and while in the simplest cases you may be able to fill out the forms yourself, you will likely need to consult a lawyer or a legal aid society. You will also need to demonstrate that you have notified (or, if he is long gone, attempted to notify) the child’s natural father of your desire to change the child’s name. In some states, the natural father’s consent is required; in others, it is not. The court will weigh whether or not the name change is in the child’s best interests and will accept or deny the petition accordingly.

Answer 2

no, since you have no legal ties to your BF you don't need his permission. call your county clerk's office, it should not be too expensive.. just adjusting the birth certificate. best of luck!

Answer 3

First you need to tell us who has custody of the child.

Answer 4

Yes you'll need the registered father's permission if his information was on the birth certificate, but I think having your surname as a hyphenated last name or even as a middle name is a good idea. In Spanish culture it is totally normal to have the mother's surname followed by the father's surname.

Answer 5

I changed me sons surname, but am speaking from Scottish Law, bear in mind sepends on wher eu are from.  I went to where i registered birth & spoke to them, basically I had to use the surname & have prove of it ie NHS card they also give you a statememt (sorry my pregnant brain forgets the exact name)  stating that the person, then name stated on certificate, is now known as new name.  I returned back to registery office 2yrs later with NHS card & that statement & surname was changed (thou not on original certificate, but legally yes)  You have to register him everywhere with your surname ie doctors, nursery/school etc. x

His father was on certificate, I did not need his permission as in Scotland before 2006 a father has no rights unless married even if on birth certificate

Answer 6

If your boyfriend signed the birth certificate- you DO need his permission.  Sorry.  I went through that with my oldest one.  I wish I had given him my maiden name, and not his fathers last name.  I got so tired of being called Mrs. Myers....his name not mine.  It's confusing for people.  His dad wouldn't agree to changing it.  But adding another name is a great idea.  Just hyphenate it.  Then when he goes to school have him use only your surname.  He'd probably be more open to adding a name rather than taking his away all together.  I wish I'd thought of that, good luck.