Ex Wants To Change Our Daughters' Last Name

[rocketman]

Hi there,

I am in the Army. My ex-girlfriend is threating to change our little girls last name to hers, my ex's. I do not consent. My ex, is citing my absence in day to day routines as the reason to change our little girls last name. What do I do? Can I stop this?

I had to give up custody due to deployment reasons. What do I do?

I pay my support, I call every week. I am no dead beat.

[Mr. Knowitall]

That will depend upon the laws of your state. If you're deployed on active duty, talk to your base legal office about your rights under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, as you may be able to forestall any name change petition until you are back home.

I don't know what you mean by "I had to give up custody due to deployment reasons" - do you mean you don't even visit your daughters any more, and voluntarily gave up any right to do so? Or are you merely stating that your ex- is the primary custodian?

[rocketman]

Thank you for such a prompt response.

My little girl is in New Jersey. I had to give up primary custody, I was told because of issues reguarding deployment. I still see her and visit, when I can.
Now my ex uses the "primary custody card" whenever she can. I am leaving for basic training this Tuesday. I was told that I will be able to take my ex to court at the end of the year when all my training is done.

I am asking is there anything I can do to stall her from trying to change my daughters last name while I am away at training?

I know in New Jersey that the party that is to recieve notification of a court date has a certain time frame to contest any name changes. If there is no contest, it would be difficult to reverse the outcome.

Also, she may try and state that she does not know where I am. I have sent her an e-mail, stating where I will be and for how long.

What else should/can I do?

Thank you

[Simmy68]

Hi there,

I am in the Army. My ex-girlfriend is threating to change our little girls last name to hers, my ex's. I do not consent. My ex, is citing my absence in day to day routines as the reason to change our little girls last name. What do I do? Can I stop this?

I had to give up custody due to deployment reasons. What do I do?

I pay my support, I call every week. I am no dead beat.

Where do you live or where does your child live?

[LawResearcherMissy]

Watch the newspapers in the child's hometown.

It is required that notice of the intended change of name be published in the newspaper, in order to give interested parties the opportunity to object.

You can contact the court to find out what newspaper(s) they require publication in.