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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Aug 2009
    Location
    hampden county, massachusetts
    Posts
    1

    Default Minor Name Change in Massachusetts

    My question involves name change laws in the State of: Massachusetts


    I am soon-to-be married to the only father my daughter has ever known, as he has been there since she was a few months old. Her biological dad is not on any legal documents, she has my last name...as far as courts go they do not know the bio father exists. He has had no contact with her since she was a few months old. My questions is can I petition the courts for a name change to my married name without the donor agreeing? I wouldnt even know where to find him...also my fiance and I are expecting so we dont want OUR daughter to feel left out. (if you suggest adoption, i agree however I dont want a battle with the donor as he will never consent, even tho he has 3 other kids he barely can support, and I dont want him to seek visitation out of spite and traumatize my daughter as she doesnt have a clue who he is)

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Toledo, OH
    Posts
    16,307

    Default Re: Minor Name Change in Massachusetts

    Start here and here:

    Changing your children’s names:

    You must have custody of your children if you want to file a name change
    on their behalf. You follow the same procedure as changing your own
    name (see above).

    If you do not live with the child’s other parent, you
    must send a copy of the petition to change the children’s names to the other
    parent by certified mail in addition to publishing the notice in the paper. If
    you do not know that parent’s current address, send the letter certified to
    the last known address. The post office will return the letter to you if it
    cannot be delivered. DO NOT OPEN THE RETURNED LETTER. File it
    with the court.

    If the other parent receives the certified letter, the post
    office will return a green card to you. File the card with the court.

    If the other parent objects to changing the children’s names:
    The court will decide based on what it believes to be in the children’s best
    interest. Some courts look at the parent’s relationship with the children,
    whether the parent pays child support on a regular basis, and the harm
    caused to their relationship if the name is changed. BE PREPARED to
    provide the court with valid reasons why it would be better for the
    children’s name to change. The court will not grant the name change
    simply because the parents do not get along or because one parent has
    remarried or changed their name.

    http://www.masslegalhelp.org/uploads...ge-booklet.pdf

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