[nicolemae88]

When my son was born I gave him his fathers last name and all I want to do is add my last name as a hypen, do I need my son's father's permission to do that? I just don't want my son to be the only one in my family with a different last name. I don't want to change it completely just add. Please help

[Njneedshelp]

Yes you need his permission- is you last name your new husband's last name? I don't see any need for this personally and I think it makes him stand out as a kid with a hyphenated last name. If his father is completely out of his life then I can understand it but if not then you are a blended family and there are millions like you. Your son will probably only feel bad if you let him- always make him feel included and loved and the name shouldn't matter.

[Fr_Chuck]

Yes you will need the bio fathers permission in most areas.

Blended families are very common, in fact if asked to raise their hands of children in families with different last names, those with all the same name will be the smaller minority.

Also as many women do not change their last names any more at marriage, that adds greatly to the variety of names in a household.

[susangpyp]

I agree with Fr Chuck. Many families have different names as many women do not change their names or remarry and have children with different fathers.

If you give him a hyphenated name, he still will be the only one with a different name, only his name will really stick out if no one else's name is hyphenated.

You do need his father's permission but I am not sure that hyphenating his name helps him or hurts him. You might want to rethink the whole idea.

[JudyKayTee]

The legal answer is, yes, you need the father's permission to change his/your son's last name.