My son just turned 5 years old, his biological father has not been around since he was 6 months old. He has made it clear that he does not want children. My son is about to start school and he has my maiden name and I want his name to be the same as mine, his sisters, and my husbands (who has taken the part of his father since he was a month old). A paternity test was taken to establish paternity but his name is not on the birth certificate. Do I need his permission to change my sons name? Would it be easier for the court to declare abandonment first? Any help would be appreciated....

