Changing the Baby's Last Name to the Mother's in the State of Missouri

I would like to change my son's last name from the fathers to mine. He is 10 months old, I have not filed for the official birth cirtificate yet and the father is not on it. I have gotten the social security card though.

I was wondering how to go about changing his name and what i have to do?

You will generally have to get permission from either the court or the father, although if paternity has not been established it would seem that you're the only "known" parent therefore you may not need to serve Dad.

Quote:

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Missouri Court Rules, Rule 95.03 - Petition for Change of a Minor's Name, Notice to or Consent of Parents
When a minor files a petition for change of name the written consent of each known parent shall be filed. If the written consent of each known parent is not filed, a copy of the petition together with a notice stating the date of the hearing shall be served on each known parent not consenting not less than thirty days before the date of the hearing. The service shall be by registered or certified mail addressed to the last known address of the nonconsenting parent. Service shall be proved by the certificate of the clerk that he has mailed a copy of the petition and notice by registered or certified mail.

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So do i have to go through a lawyer, or could i just go to the court house?