I have 2 children from a previous relationship. They are 15 & 16. I have been married to my current husband for over 10 years and he has raised my children since they were 1 & 2. They both are in high school now and want their last names changed to ours (my husband and I have had 2 more so there are 4 total). My 15year old son says every birthday that all he wants is to "Be a Martin" They will both be graduating high school soon and want to walk across the stage as "Martins" How can we legally change their names? The school will not let us change, substitute or even hyphenate. We have considered adopting but to even get in for a consultation is $250. Which would be fine if after the consultation we aren't told that we need another $2000 to complete the process. But we cannot even get an estimate w/o the consultation. We would love nothing more than to change their names and give them their new names as birthday/christmas presents. Any advice will be very appreciated. We live in New Jersey and the biological father is not and hasn't been a part of their lives for over 12 years now. He has never paid child support and I have no idea where he is or even how to get in touch with him. If I could do that I'm sure he'd have no problem signing over his parental rights. Please help.

Wow, that is so touching. What a precious family you have... Phew! I sure hope you guys can get these birthday presents!!

Ok, most states have an abandonment period, meaning if the parents hasn't seen, contacted or paid child support for this "amount of time", then you can place notice in a newspaper (that is ok'd by your county court) and keep the notice in there for 30 days (again, check with your courthouse). Then you should be able to apply for a step parent adoption.

I'd start by calling your local courthouse. Ask which papers are accepted to place notices, and also ask about the abandonment period. Then, you can contact the service in my signature, they'll help you the rest of the way.

BEST OF LUCK to you, blessings to your family!

In some states you can merely change their name at the court house, one page form, takes about 2 days to process and costs about 250 dollars. In some the father does not have to sign.

My first stop would be the court clerk to see the requirements for a name change in your state.