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View Full Version : Acceptable reasons for last name change to my son?


Rizzos1090
Apr 26, 2011, 08:12 AM
Hello I have a 13 months son and he have ''his father'' last name, but he is in another country, when my son was born we agree to naming with both last names, but when my son was 4 months his father broke me and I don know where it is and I don't mind. So I want to change my son's last name with my both last name and add second name, which reasons are acceptable for name change? Oh I am single mom.
Sorry for my bad English.. Thanks!

JudyKayTee
Apr 26, 2011, 08:26 AM
Where are you? If you want to change your son's name you need the father's written permission. If you can't find him you can get a Court Order to serve him by posting a specific notice in a specific newspaper for a specific period. You can do an "informal" name change (use another name for school IF the school will allow it) but the father can object and force you to use the original name.

The process varies somewhat by State/Country.

Rizzos1090
May 4, 2011, 09:30 AM
I live in California , and in my son's birth certificate only I the mother appear. Thanks.

JudyKayTee
May 4, 2011, 09:36 AM
The procedure depends on the exact circumstances. Here's a very good starting place: California Courts: Self-Help Center: More Topics: How to Change Your Name or Your Gender: Changing the Name of a Child: How Can I Change my Child's Name? (http://www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp/other/namechangechild1.htm)

AK lawyer
May 4, 2011, 09:52 AM
... when my son was born we agree to naming with both last names, ...


... and in my son's birth certificate only I the mother appear ...

This is sort of odd: You and the father agreed that the father's last name would be on the child's BC, but the BC doesn't name the father? Why would you do that?

Anyway, from the link that JudyKayTee gave, it seems clear that you cannot change the birth certificate. In order to change the child's name, you would have to petition the court for a name change.

JudyKayTee
May 4, 2011, 10:07 AM
I have answered your question about taking your child into Canada on your other thread - https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/parenting/can-use-enfagrow-checks-canada-574452.html#post2791541. I am unsure about the documentation you have about your child's birth and parents.

Also, have you checked on the documentation which an adult has to show at the Border? You no longer show a driver's license and cross.

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/parenting/can-use-enfagrow-checks-canada-574452.html#post2791541