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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2006
    Location
    Illinois
    Posts
    1

    Default Name Change for a Toddler

    How can I change my toddler's surname? He was given his father's name at birth but since then we have separated (never married). He did sign a voluntary paternity form at the hospital after delivery. We live in 2 different states so he only visits about 3 times a year and while he did pay $400 a month for the first year, he has stopped paying for the last 10 months. I don't want his money so do not wish to go to court for support payments. I just want to give my son my surname or at least a hyphenated one with both names.
    I appreciate the advice.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Location
    Behind a Desk
    Posts
    98,846

    Default Changing child's name

    You would either petition a court for a name change, giving the father notice of the court proceeding, and establishing to the court that the name should be changed (over any objections from the father). Or you could simply start using the new name... which can create complications at a future date if official records don't match the name he uses, but doesn't require a court order to accomplish.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Dec 2005
    Location
    Texas
    Posts
    181

    Default

    Once the child starts school the school is required to use the child's legal name.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Location
    Behind a Desk
    Posts
    98,846

    Default Name in School

    Perhaps in some school districts, but certainly not in all. I used my step-father's name all through K-12 without any need for a legal name change.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Dec 2005
    Location
    Texas
    Posts
    181

    Default

    It's a fairly new thing (under 10 years). I went to school with several people that used a step-parents last name. I was actually surprised when my children's school told me they could only use the full name on the BC. They informed me it was federal law. I did call my attorney and she sided with the school :x . I never took my ex's last name, so the kids names were hyphenated. After my divorce I just stopped using the last part of the name. I even got new Social Security cards without his last name for them. I never had any problems until they went off to school. The teachers were always very nice and used only my last name within the classroom, but all the "official" documents (report cards an such) had their full names. I've had their names legally changed, so it's not a problem any more.

    I don't know for a fact, but it may have something to do with all of the post 9/11 security laws concerning false identity.

    But, I never actually looked it up myself, so I could be wrong.

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