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How to Change a Minor Child's Last Name During Naturalization

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  • 04-02-2017, 09:05 AM
    Alcina
    How to Change a Minor Child's Last Name During Naturalization
    Hello,

    I became an american citizen and my son can therefore be naturalized. I want to change his last name to his dad's last name. How should I start the process? can i do both at the same time?
    Thank you,
  • 04-02-2017, 09:52 AM
    flyingron
    Re: Naturalization and Last Name Change
    The name change is distinct from the naturalization issues. Naturalization occurs at the federal level. Name changes occur at the state level. You'll have to tell us what state you are residing in, the laws vary by state. I'm presuming the child is currently under 18 (hopefully well under 18).
  • 04-02-2017, 11:34 AM
    adjusterjack
    Re: Naturalization and Last Name Change
    Quote:

    Quoting Alcina
    View Post
    Hello,

    I became an american citizen and my son can therefore be naturalized. I want to change his last name to his dad's last name. How should I start the process? can i do both at the same time?
    Thank you,

    Is the Dad the man you are married to now and is not the boy's biological father?

    If yes, you are likely to need the consent of the boy's biological father.
  • 04-02-2017, 11:56 AM
    flyingron
    Re: Naturalization and Last Name Change
    Actually, biological is unimportant. Most states require the consent, or at least notification, of the person who is on record as the child's father. Again, we need to know what state to advise further. If the husband who is not the biological father is currently presumed to be the child's father, that is the person you need to get permission from. If that's not the person you want to treat as the father, then you need a separate paternity/parental rights/adoption action. The courts generally take a dim view using a name change as a defacto attempt to change parentage.
  • 06-11-2017, 12:19 PM
    Mr. Knowitall
    Re: Naturalization and Last Name Change
    It is possible to request a name change on the N-400 form when petitioning for citizenship. That will require that the citizenship hearing occur at a judicial ceremony. It is also possible for the judge to decline the request. Without considerably more information than we presently have, I would suggest obtaining a name change through the state courts, and then introducing the proof of the name change in order to seek a certificate of naturalization that matches the child's new name (assuming the name change was approved by the state court).
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