[nikki12884]

My question is, that when my son was born, I gave him his fathers last and middle name, because I thought he would be a good dad and be in his life, but he's not and we live seperatley from each other for 14 months now, and he has yet to visit or try to visit his son. Which is fine but I don't want my son to have his middle and last name anymore since he's not apart of his life. His father does pay child support. My question is how do I go about changing my son's middle and last name? And do I have to have his fathers consent? I'm really wanting to do this without having to full with his father! Thank you.By the way I live in Ohio, and we were never married, just boyfriend and girlfriend, and he did sign the birth certificate. And also, if I can't change anything in his name without his fathers consent, then can I hifen his last name with adding my last name to it??

[stinawords]

You can't get around the father. I'm pretty sure even to add yours you need him to sign off on it.

[ScottGem]

You probably cannot change the birth certificate without the father's consent. However, (in the US), you can use any name you want as long as there is no intent to defraud. For example, you can tell the school that he will be using your last name for all correspondence and paperwork that doesn't require a legal name. But the legal name will still remain. When your son is 18, he can then petititon to legally change his name without the father's consent.