My question involves name change laws in the State of: New York
My son recently turned 3 and he'll be starting "school" soon. I want to change his last name before they teach him the one on his b.c. His biological father, who signed his birth certificate, is a non-factor in his life. Our relationship ended when I found out I was pregnant. He was very violent, and I was finally tired of the abuse. From what I undertsand he has been in and out of jail for the last 3 years for violating order of protections, and physically abusing his other sons mother(they are still together). His friends tell me he is in jail now.
My fiance has been raising my son since he was 3 months old. My son calls my fiance dad. We're planning our wedding for July of next year, and intend on changing my sons last name so we can be a 'complete' family. My questions are, is there maybe an informal way of changing my sons name for the time being. As I mentioned before, he is 3, and I dont want him to learn his name is Cole A.. if we plan on changing it to Cole B. in the next year. Also, because my ex is a word i dont want to use on the sight, I know hes going to give us a hard time with changing my sons last name despite the fact he has nothing to do with my son. My son doesnt even know who he is. Are there any suggestions, or advice, to maybe ease the process?

