My question involves name change laws in the State of: virginia. I've been doing some reading today. I see that it will be a tad easier than where I am at currently. Here is my dilemma. Father meets all criteria of absent father. I have sole legal and physical custody and parenting time is reserved. I'm getting ready to move back to Va. If I am able to get this new job. If I do, I want to petition court to change daughters name to match mine. He has not seen her nor made contact in 4 yrs . And only paying support now for for abt 5 months because courts r taking from his checks. If I get this job, I have no problem cutting him loose completely from all obligations since he is not involved anyway. I believe this is best for her, and have no problem having her talk to a judge abt this. How can I go ant this when I move to ensue an easy transition with the name change? I'm afraid he will fight it. Even though he is not involved he has already sent multiple letters to court here where we r at saying just as many different things. Ex. 1 says he has called and talked to me asking to speak to daughter and the next letter stated he needs a good working number so that he can talk to daughter.

Help. I want to move on with our lives with out him.