My daughter has the last name of a man whom I thought to be her father. We have taken a home paternity test with her real father and he is proven to be the father. Her alleged father whose last name she has never had anything to do with her and hasn't seen her since she was born. Her real father would like her last name the same as his and that's fine with me, or I can change her last name to mine. How do I go about doing this? The paternity test wasn't the legal one, and I've read you need that; But I've also read that you have to petition the court and can change her name regardless because it's in her best interest and I'm the custodial parent. Please help!

I went through almost exactly the same situation. Except I had the test to prove the incorrect father who was listed was not the father. I was in CA but went by AZ laws since I moved so it may be different. I simply filed an order of paternity, with a motion to specificall remove exsisting father on because and add the correct proven father to the child's because once paternity was established as well as getting the corrected name for the child on the because. They did want me to send proof that I sent copys of the court paperwork I filed to both parties involved. Hope this helps. Any other questions feel free to ask... I know what your going through!

You need to go to your local Family court and ask what the process is. It should not be difficult or to expensive.