:confused: My little boy is 13yrs old, we live in Texas and he wants to change his last name.. I researched this and from what I have found the other parent has to be notified~well, what if you have NO idea where or how to find the other parent? He's not seen us in over 8yrs and prior to that was ONCE in the 13yrs of my sons life! He's been in & out of jail, running from the law numerous times, has NOT paid child support for either of the boys (the other is 21yrs) so, I don't understand WHY he should even get the RIGHT to say either one way or the other! But, I know there are laws and I want to do this by the book.. How do I do that though? PLEASE, someone help me! Or direct me in the right area. I appreciate any & all that you have to say. Thank you from Texas:(

Hello little-bit
I think the first step is to terminate parental rights,your post should be in a legal thread someone will move it for you

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Originally Posted by zippit

hello little-bit
i think the first step is to terminate parental rights,your post should be in a legal thread someone will move it for you

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No, the first step is not to terminate parental rights, nor is that step possible most likely.

Each court will have a process to follow for notification of a parent not able to be found. They may require you do serve his last known address or might require a newspaper publication. The requirement is less steep than if there was an adoption or divorce, but there will be some manner of service that must be followed.

You can try to call the clerk of courts or judges assistant to see if they can tell you. If not, you may need to contact a local lawyer.

Forget a TPR, even if you could get one, its not necessary.

Yes, the law requires that you try to get the father's consent. But the law also provides for ways to show that you have made a good faith effort to do so.

Consult a local attorney who can explain what methods are available to you.