My question involves name change laws in the State of: California.
When my daughter was born, I gave her her father's last name. He was incarcerated at that time. He was released in March and never saw her or signed the declaration of paternity. I obtained a CLETS restraining order against him for myself, and my children. He is now, once again, in custody on suspicion of gang enhancement, kidnapping, torture, and murder so for obvious reasons I want to change her last name, but am unsure of how to do this. Because he is not on her birth certificate, will I need his permission? What steps must I take? She is 6 months old.
Thank you.

