How do I legally go about changing my daughter's last name? She has her father's but I want to change it to mine. He hasn't been around for over three years and she is just four. I wouldn't be able to find him to get his concent.

You can file for abandonment and then you will be able to change the last name. I am not sure the process yet, I am trying to do it myself. I know that you have to have a lawyer, so I would call around to see if someone will do it probono or really cheap. I know that to do the abandonment thing you will have to post an ad in the paper for so many days and if the father doesn't respond to the add then you can go through with the process. I am not sure of the details. Call around to some family lawyers. Good luck!

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Originally Posted by ewalsh25

How do I legally go about changing my daughter's last name? She has her father's but I want to change it to mine. He hasn't been around for over three years and she is just four. I wouldn't be able to find him to get his concent.

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Not sure if state laws varies when it comes to changing last name. However, I share the issue. The law facilitator mentioned I would have to take him to court or just wait till she's 18 to change it herself.

Look into your courts family law facilitator. I hope that helps. Good luck!