Changing a Child's Name Change Via Usage
My question involves name change laws in the State of: Oregon
Hi, it's been a while since I've posted. My husband has two boys, now 6 & 8. When SS6 was 5, he would occasionally announce that his last name was "Stepdad'sLastName". At first, SS8 would correct him, but recently, both boys have been saying that their "nicknames" are "RealName FunnyName Stepdad'sLastName". My husband and I generally stick to the message that once they turn 18, they can have whatever name they like, but for now, kids have the name that their mom and dad picked for them.
Can the boys' mom legally change their last names without my husband's consent? Could she say she tried to notify him but couldn't find him?
Alternatively, I've heard (of adults) that if they pick a different name and just use it enough, it "counts" as a name change. If that's even true, could Mom do that to the kids?
Thanks in advance for your help. Please let me know if you need more info.
Re: Changing a Child's Name Change Via Usage
A legal name change involves going through court. We have no way of predicting if the mother would lie to a court, but if your spouse's address is on record for child support purposes it would be pretty implausible for her to try to get substituted service based on not knowing his address.
What the kids call themselves for unofficial purposes? That's something your husband can consider addressing through the custody court, if it's a problem and is of sufficient import to him to take that step.
Re: Changing a Child's Name Change Via Usage
Thanks for the info.
Child support is not paid through the courts in this situation. Is that the only/best way to have a current address on file with the courts, or is there a way to provide a current address to the court outside of CS paperwork?
I'm guessing that there is no connection to just filling out a USPS change of address form.