I would like to change my daughter's last name to mine. She is 10 years old and currently has her bio dad's name. He's had no contact, nor attempted any, since she turned a year old except for paying child support, and he hasn't paid that since August.

She wants to have the same name as myself, my older son, and my younger daughter. What are the chances a judge would let that go through without bio dad's consent? I ask this because when we were together he ended up signing away his rights to his first child, and she was adopted by his ex's husband, but went to the first hearing, not because he really wanted to go but because his family pushed him to attend and say that he didn't want her adopted. I worry that the same thing will happen here and the judge will deny the name change.

Also, how should I word the paperwork? Or should I just hire an attorney? I don't want to do something wrong and have it denied for something like that either.

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Also, how should I word the paperwork? Or should I just hire an attorney? I don't want to do something wrong and have it denied for something like that either.

Without being familiar with the paperwork in whichever state or country you are in, it would be difficult or impossible for any of us to say. So yes, I suggest you hire an attorney.

I'm in Ohio. I figured I should probably just do that, thank you!