How can I change my last name? I am fourteen

Question

My parents have been divorced my entire life. I hate my "father" more than anything on this entire planet, believe me I have a good reason to. And I don't usually use the word hate but here it is an understatement. I don't want to use his last name when ppl ask me my name, on my awards for school, my high school diploma, ANYTHING!!!

I want my mother's maiden name/my grandfather's last name

What can I do/what can I tell my family to do?

Does it cost money?

Answer 1

I know how you feel. i really hate my father, and my last name, I'd like to get mine changed as well.  But I'm engaged right now, so i just figured I'd wait till i got married and take his name.  In the meantime. I try not to think of it as his last name. Forget about him, What about the rest of his family? do you know/like any of them?  I hate my father, but i respect his parents, my grandma and grandpa, even tho i don't see them anymore because of him. All my memories of them are good. so i just think of it as there last name, instead of his.

To change your last name You and your mom will have to goto court and yes it will cost money. Ive no idea how much. But if you tell your mom the way you feel maybe you and her can make some phone calls and find out about how to start the process, and maybe you can help her out, get a little job or something to help pay for it, that way it will kinda be like you earned your last name, and you can be proud of it . :)

Answer 2

You go to the courts stating what you want your name to be and why, have your mom sign off on everything and pay court fees, which the amount will depend on your state - in WA it's $150.

Answer 3

u urself can legally change ur last name at 16 or 18 I 4got but ur mom can legally change ur name

Answer 4

try asking your mom about it. if she doesn't know, try asking another sensible, reliable adult. :]

good luck with it!

Answer 5

Yes it costs money about 200 $ but hey next year you an have a job . I probably imagine why you "hate" your 'father" . you could to court and before doing that tell your mom that you want her maiden name and ask her if its ok  

Answer 6

Tell your mom that you want to have her maiden name. Maybe you should spend more quality time with you "father" as you call him.

And you shouldn't be so harsh on your dad. It's hard to be divorced.... but then again I don't know the "horrible reason" of why you "hate" him....

Answer 7

State laws vary.  At age 14 in Washington state for instance, you can petition the courts to change your name.

check out the legal system online and get info, then approach your mom and talk to her.

Answer 8

It costs to change a last name. My husband hates his real dad but he would not change his name because that is what he is (last name) and he would not change it and let it go to like his moms maiden name.