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View Full Version : Can I change my daughters surname from mine to my future husband?


Lawrence10
Feb 20, 2011, 02:25 PM
Can I change my daughters surname to my future husbands surname? Her biological father hasn't been in contact for 6 years but his name is on her birth certificate

ScottGem
Feb 20, 2011, 02:39 PM
No. To change a child's name you have to go to court for a legal name change. Otherwise the name on the birth certificate is the legal name.

Why not wait until after you are married and have your husband adopt.

Lawrence10
Feb 20, 2011, 02:55 PM
But do I still need his permission, even though I have no idea to where he lives or contact number? He hasn't wanted anything to do with her I never stopped him seeing her I always gave him the opportunity to see her.

Lawrence10
Feb 20, 2011, 02:58 PM
She has my surname not his.

ScottGem
Feb 20, 2011, 04:40 PM
That depends on local laws. You have to, at least, show a good faith attempt to contact him.

Fr_Chuck
Feb 20, 2011, 08:03 PM
The court may accept the fact after you present evidence that you tried to contact him, But the court will require at least a level of attempt to find him to notify them. After that most will require notice be given though publication, but it really varies,