My daughter has her dad's last name but I want to change it to mine. Throughout my pregnancy with her, I've always wanted to give her my last name, but her dad would fight with me if I did mention that. I believed when he said that he'll help me if I gave her his last name, but 20 months later.. he hasn't done anything for her. So I'm wondering what good are my chances of actually getting sole custody of my daughter? I've been told that I have to get sole custody in order to do so (changing last name) I'm a stay at home mom, I still nurse her and I'm applying for a part-time job so I can provide more for my daughter since her dad is not helping me whatsoever. What will the judge look at?

First off the judge is going to wonder why there is no child support order. Also having sole custody does not eliminate all his rights. You still need his permission for a name change. At this time it may not be allowed because you may in the future take a husband and then you at that time will want your child to have his name. They don't like all this swapping around of names. So go to court and get custody and support issues settled first.

Custody rarely affects a name change, but without the father's consent its highly unlikely, especially if the father is active in the child's life.