My son wants to change his last name due to teasing. His father abandoned us 12 years ago. We have not heard a word from him or received any form of support. How can I legally change his name without his dad giving consent?

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Originally Posted by rebeccalittle

My son wants to change his last name due to teasing. His father abandoned us 12 years ago. We have not heard a word from him or received any form of support. How can I legally change his name without his dad giving consent?

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You file a petition for a name change with the court in whichever state you are located. Whether the father's consent is required will also depend on which state it is.