My ex and I were not married when I had my daughter. Her father is on the birth certificate but there was never a child support or custody order. She has always been in my custody alone. He has never supported her and has not seen her in almost 4 years. I do not know where he is now living. I remarried 3 years ago and would like to change her last name to my last name. Since he has not supported her in more than 7 years, can I file a petition (with notice in the paper) and have her name changed without tracking him down and asking him to consent to this (I doubt he would consent, just to be difficult with me)? Thanks for your help!

