When can I change my children's last name with out the fathers consent.

Until they are 18 you generally can't. To legally change the name you have to obtain a court order and they will require his agreement.

I changed my sons name in Ohio when he was 2 without his father knowing. I called the court house and they posted a name change request in the local court newspaper. (A newspaper that typical people don't read) and if no one contests it within 30 days they give you a court date and on that date it was changed. My sons father was no where around at the time, but just wanted you to know that there are ways!!

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Originally Posted by greatkidsmom

I changed my sons name in ohio when he was 2 without his father knowing.

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And if the father surfaced and took you to court, he would probably be able to get the name changed back. The law requires you to make a good faith effort to contact the other parent to get their permission. Different jurisdictions define good faith effort differently. A common one is posting a legal notice in a local newspaper.

Your scenario may not be similar to the OP's. There was no mention of whether she is in contact with the father or not.