My son would like to change his name. He has his fathers family name and he wants nothing to do with his father ever again. He has not seen his father in almost 4 years. He has tried to write a couple times but that stopped about a year ago. My son wuld not accept his letters. His father was very abusive to me and was verbally abusive to the kids at times. My son wants a new name but I cannot get his fathers consent. Is there anything I can do before my son turn 18. He is almost 10 now.

Your son can use any name he wants as long as there is no intent to defraud. But his legal name will remain the same unless you can get the father's consent. I would go to his school and speak to a guidance counselor and explain the situation. They should allow him to use your maiden name except where a legal name is necessary.