My question involves name change laws in the State of California.

My son (13yrs) has a hyphenated last name, for example Smith-Lopez. We use my last name, Lopez, for everything including medical records and child support docs. Only exceptions are his Passport, Social Sec, and my Taxes.

His school refuses to use just Lopez because his last name is hyphenated. They will use Lopez if I showed them a Birth Certificate or Name Change paperwork without the hyphen, for example Smith Lopez. His school will accept the first part Smith or his whole last name Smith-Lopez.

My questions are: Do I have to petition the court for a name change to drop just the hyphen (fees are about $400)? or Is dropping the hyphen a valid correction to amend his birth certificate ($20 fee)?

Thanks