My daughter has her fathers last name, and I have a different one. Her father abandoned her 5 years ago in California. Her and I moved to North Carolina a little over a year ago.
My daughter no longer remembers any good times with him and states she does not have a father. He had physically and mentally abused her and has no feelings for him. His visitation was removed and he can never make contact again with her. He is forced to support her.
She wants to have the same last name as me, which is my maiden name. She has cried over this for 2 years now. (She is almost 12). The fact that she has to carry the name of a man she despises really bothers her. I have gotten her school to call her by my last name, though legally on all the school paperwork it has the fathers last name. Here in North Carolina, the law states the child can only change her name if the father agrees, the father dies, or she turns 16. None of this has happened or will for a long time. I have sent him letters pleading with him to allow this to happen for the well being of my daughter. I even told him I would lower the child support if he allowed it to happen. In return I got an email from his new wife, telling me where I can shove the letters.
Any suggestions? Any ways to get around this law in North Carolina? It is a very emotional issue for my daughter.
Also I do have sole physical and legal custody of her, and a court order from Los Angeles, that he cannot have contact with her ever.
Thanks.

