Changing my daughter's last name
I have a two year old daughter. Neither her or myself have heard from her birth father in over a year and a half. He does pay child support and is on the birth certificate. My daughter currently has my last name, but I am getting married (for the first time) soon, and would like to change my daughter's last name to my married name. Do I still have to have her birth father's consent for this?
Re: Changing my daughter's last name
State law varies. What state are you talking about?
Re: Changing my daughter's last name
Re: Changing my daughter's last name
If he has parental rights, he is entitled to notice of the name change proceedings, and can oppose the petition.
Re: Changing my daughter's last name
It what circumstances would I be able to get his rights taken away? He's gotten in touble with the law for things like stealing, violence and drugs, is that a good enough reason?
Re: Changing my daughter's last name
Consider looking into step-parent adoption.
Re: Changing my daughter's last name
Wouldn't he have to volunterily give up his rights then?
Re: Changing my daughter's last name
That's the easiest way. It may also be possible for the court to terminate his rights, depending upon the full facts of the case and Texas law, for cause such as abandonment.