Changing My Stepson's Last Name
My question involves name change laws in the State of: Pennsylvania
My husband and his ex where divorced before my stepson was born. She gave him her madien name and refused to let my husband see him at all. After getting enough money he took her to court so he can see him. By the time everything was said and done, his son was 3yrs old when he finally got visitation. He also pays childsupport. I was already in the picture at that time. My stepson is now 15 yrs old would like his father's last name. She is not willing to do that. How do we go about going to the court to file papers and do we go through domestic relations for that? I looked for info on the web, but i havent found any info for this particilar type of case. Thank you!
Re: Changing My Stepson's Last Name
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joab97
My question involves name change laws in the State of: Pennsylvania
My husband and his ex where divorced before my stepson was born. She gave him her madien name and refused to let my husband see him at all. After getting enough money he took her to court so he can see him. By the time everything was said and done, his son was 3yrs old when he finally got visitation. He also pays childsupport. I was already in the picture at that time. My stepson is now 15 yrs old would like his father's last name. She is not willing to do that. How do we go about going to the court to file papers and do we go through domestic relations for that? I looked for info on the web, but i havent found any info for this particilar type of case. Thank you!
Your husband should check with the court clerk to see if they can direct him to where he can find the forms to file.
Re: Changing My Stepson's Last Name
He can just start using the last name he wants to. My daughter's biological father was never in the picture. I gave her my maiden name on her birth certificate. I married when she was 9 years old. She started using her step father's last name at school, etc. She has been using hisw name ever since. She used it on her school records, social security card, drivers license, taxes, everything. She is now 27 and this has never caused a problem.
Re: Changing My Stepson's Last Name
My parents did much the same, but states have since tightened their policies. It's not so easy any more to have school records or other documents reflect a surname other than your legal name.
Changing a minor's name in a contested proceeding typically requires a hearing in which the proponent of the name change must establish that the change is in the minor's best interest. "He really wants it" may not be enough, even if the child testifies.