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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jun 2016
    Posts
    2

    Default Changing the Last Name of My Children

    My question involves name change laws in the State of: Connecticut.

    I have been divorced for 7 years now. For the past 4 years that has been no contact, visitation and minimal efforts at child support for my two minor children aged 11 and 9. Both children have, on various occasions requested to have their last name changed to mine. I am not remarried however my boyfriend and I do have a child together who has his last name. My children wish to have their last name changed to mine and perhaps eventually be adopted by my boyfriend when we get married ( Not sure if this is something we are going to embark on )

    Support Enforcement as well as I, do not have a valid address on file for him. His last known phone number that I have is answered by a woman who says I have the wrong number and his last known address, his family members, states he moved out 4 years ago.

    Can I petition to probate for a legal name change based on these reasons?

    I appreciate any advice or insight. Thank you.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Sep 2010
    Posts
    19,901

    Default Re: Changing Last Name of My Children

    You're going to have to find or otherwise serve the father to make the name change. Name changes are also NOT generally accepted as a substitute to properly terminating the father's rights if that is what your goal is. The standard is that the name change needs to be in the best interest of the child (as determined by the courts and not you). The process in CT isn't exactly straight forward. You should consult an attorney. The forms are different and additional affidavits about there not being any support/custody/etc... mattters present must also be filed.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jun 2016
    Posts
    2

    Default Re: Changing Last Name of My Children

    If Support Enforcement and I can't locate him- how can I attempt to serve him?

    I contacted the probate office of my town, they said that as long as I can show that I've tried to locate him, the judge may waive the newspaper article. I do not want a TPR. I want peace of mind for my kids who hate the constant reminder. They won't get their last names on their sports jerseys. They don't even like being acknowledged by their last name in school. They've asked many times over the course of the 7 years after the separation for this to change however, I always tried to do what was right based on his relationship with the kids, as small as it was the first 3 years. Now with 4 years and he's no longer even around- curious if this is something the judge might allow.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Sep 2010
    Posts
    19,901

    Default Re: Changing Last Name of My Children

    If it is in the best interest of the child and you can certify there is no way this is being used for changing custody, parental rights, support obligations, etc...

    CT doesn't require publication and while it is best to have the other parent as copetitioner or at least notified, it's not strictly required. However, as I stated...there are specific things you have to place in supporting affidavits. It's not quite what some online form selling companies will have you believe that it's a matter of filling out a form. Furhter, if you file and are rejected, it will haunt you when you reapply. Best to get an attorney and do it RIGHT THE FIRST TIME.

    You should however lose your personal hysterics in the pleading (and the postings here). They're NAME IS on their jerseys and school records. Their name is what the birth certificate says until a judge says otherwise. Again, the fact that you are emotionally involved in this is why you should allow a LAWYER to make the case, not yourself.

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