maddiesmommy
Aug 1, 2008, 11:20 AM
My daughter is going to be 3 months old pretty soon and her father wanted her to have his last name. So I gave it to her sadly the loser walked out of her life before she was even 3 weeks old. The only time we talk is when I needed his help with and even then he wants to fight so I stopped asking, he's basically a dead beat. Me and my family take care of her. I was wondering do I really need his permission to get her last name changed and how much would it cost. I Live in PA any one know the Laws here...
ANB428
Aug 1, 2008, 12:30 PM
Yes, you need his permission to change her last name. I am in the same boat. I haven't gotten any help from my daughter's father for the past 3 years. When I talked to him about a year ago and asked him if I could change her last name he laughed and told me I knew better than that. So, I know that you can file for abandonment if you don't have contact after so many years. I am not sure how the process works exactly, but if you do that then he will never have to pay child support. I think! I am not sure so don't quote me, but that is what I have heard. I am going to try to contact a lawyer soon to see what I have to do, and when I figure it out I will let you know. You can call around to lawyers offices and see if they offer free legal advice and ask them what you can do. But, the father has to sign the paper to change the last name.