My question involves name change laws in the State of: New York
Hi there, I need help with understanding what I need to do in order to change my three year old's last name. Her "father" is on her birth certificate but has not been in contact with us since she was 5 weeks old. I do not know his address or city all I know is that he lives somewhere in PA. There is a recorded history of abuse with the police. How can I have her last name changed to my now husband and I's last name without knowing where he is? What would the courts do? Would the courts make me wait until they found him or do they give him a certain time frame to reply or to be found? Is his rights as a parent forfeited if he is not found?

