What are good legal reasons to change my 4 yr old sons last name to mine? Facts are he doesn't pay child support, drug charges, driving under suspension 15 times, and domestic violence... other then these reasons I want it changed because I want him to carry out the family name since his dad is not involved. We live in Ohio if that helps. I don't know if the laws are different in other states

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Originally Posted by sabiestiles

What are good legal reasons to change my 4 yr old sons last name to mine? Facts are he doesn't pay child support, drug charges, driving under suspension 15 times, and domestic violence...other then these reasons i want it changed because i want him to carry out the family name since his dad is not involved. We live in ohio if that helps. I don't know if the laws are different in other states

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Is he the acknowledged father or the presumptive/assumed father?

If you are going to do it, better do it now before the child becomes attached to that name.
In other words: once your child is in school, he/she is going learn be identified by his/her last name.
At 4 y/o, they maybe in Prek or KG, not a big deal to have your name changed for Johnny Smith to Johnny Baker. By 3rd grade, you child has already learned his place in class ( alphabetical place I mean.) And it will harder to explain to them, or for them to explain to their peers. By 6th grade your child have become firmly attached to their last name.
At that point it is sometimes difficult for them to accept an adopted name from a step parent.

I have professionally worked with kids for 15 years. I say, if your going to do it, do it now, and don't wait 2-3 years.

KidzPsych