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How to Change a Minor's First and Last Names

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  • 05-15-2010, 12:10 PM
    genevea
    How to Change a Minor's First and Last Names
    My question involves name change laws in the State of: Arizona but daughter was born in California. I have a three year old daughter and I need to change her last name to mine and just the spelling of her first name. I had always decided to spell it a certain way but at the time I was a little out of it so I spelled it very different. Her father well who knows where he is and if the name he gave me is real. we had been together five years before I had my daughter and about four months after I had her I found out he was an illegal immigrant. The only reason I found out is because he was deported. I do not want my daughter to have a last name that who knows if it is or is not the last name of her father. What are the chances that I can get this done and can I change her name here in Arizona since she was born in California?
  • 05-18-2010, 10:46 AM
    Mr. Knowitall
    Re: How to Change a Minor's First and Last Names
    Unless the father consents, you would petition a court, with proper notice to the father, to change the child's name. You would then establish to the court that the name change is in the best interest of the child. If you get a name change order in Arizona, you will have to file it in appropriate form with the California Department of Public Health, Vital Records division. (You'll have to do that also with a California court order, but there are fewer potential complications when it's an in-state order.)
  • 05-19-2010, 10:38 PM
    genevea
    Re: How to Change a Minor's First and Last Names
    Even if the father is no where to be found as is not on her birth certificate?
  • 05-19-2010, 10:47 PM
    Mr. Knowitall
    Re: How to Change a Minor's First and Last Names
    Yes. He's still the father.
  • 05-20-2010, 04:31 PM
    genevea
    Re: How to Change a Minor's First and Last Names
    Last question. So how would I notify the father if I do not know where he is?
  • 05-20-2010, 05:31 PM
    Xena
    Re: How to Change a Minor's First and Last Names
    Quote:

    Quoting genevea
    View Post
    Last question. So how would I notify the father if I do not know where he is?


    You'll need to find out what steps you must take to be able to serve by publication.

    You should get a consult with a local attorney, consults are generally inexpensive and well worth the small cost.
  • 05-20-2010, 09:45 PM
    genevea
    Re: How to Change a Minor's First and Last Names
    Ok thanks for all the information I greatly appreciate it.
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