I live in Florida and about two years ago my exhusband got caught with serious drugs, I was already in the process of trying to get full custudy, when we mediated that if he got prosecuted for whatever drug charges that I would automatically get sole parental responsibility. He got caught again! Now I have a signed order by judge awarding SPR per mediation agreement. Our daughter is very mature for 9 going on 13, and she's begging to have last name changed to her step fathers name and 1/2 brothers name. Natural father is embarresment and with latest theft arrest that flashed pictures of him in the news its gotten worse for her. I know I have to notify him but will it be difficult to obtain since she has spoken to him about her wishes and he has said he will fight it. Do qwe have a chance?

From what I know unfortunately you do need the fathers permission to be able to change her last name.

I find this very sad that her father is an unfitting role model for her. I do hope that she gets what she desperately wants, and that you don't have too much of trouble getting it! Good Luck :)

You have a chance, sure. Its less than if it were uncontested. Best advice would be to get a lawyer and start the process. A lot of people SAY they will contest something... actually doing it is a different matter.

The name change can be ordered without his consent if a judge believes it is in the best interest of the child. It seems in this case that it probably is.

They judge may allow it, but it is going to get a harder fight if the father will not agree

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Originally Posted by Twink24

From what i know unfortunately you do need the fathers permission to be able to change her last name.

I find this very sad that her father is an unfitting role model for her. I do hope that she gets what she desperately wants, and that you don't have to much of trouble getting it! Good Luck :)

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I believe you are not correct concerning the name change. Please post your reference source.

As far as your sadness - this is the family law board.

What's the point of sole parental custody i.e.. Sole custudy if you still can't make decisions such as a name change to a minor, I'm not trying to hinder a relationship which she runs from, can u blame a child for being ashamed of a looser dad.

Anyway representing myself and have already downloaded papers fingerprinting done and filing. Child has notified dad of name change wishes, and he's definitely fighting it

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Originally Posted by giselita

whats the point of sole parental custody ie. sole custudy if you still can't make decisions such as a name change to a minor, im not trying to hinder a realtionship which she runs from, can u blame a child for being ashamed of a looser dad.

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Because you don't need his permission to put her in school, get her medical procedures, etc.

Name changes are changes to legal documents...

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Originally Posted by giselita

whats the point of sole parental custody ie. sole custudy if you still can't make decisions such as a name change to a minor, im not trying to hinder a realtionship which she runs from, can u blame a child for being ashamed of a looser dad.

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Sole custody isn't anything you believe it to be. Sole custody only lasts for the time a child is a minor. After that its gone. The parents of children are for a lifetime until a court decides to strip them of rights.


The BC and other things involved are part of those lifetime connections.