There are a variety of reasons for changing a child’s last name, but it is better to do it legally to avoid any complications later. The methods for changing a child’s last name can vary from region to region, but the process isn’t difficult when you understand the proper steps. Here are some of the most common ways to change a child’s last name.
Way 1: Contact Your Local Court System
Many court systems provide information concerning name changes at online websites, but you may need to call a government official for information. You can also visit the courthouse to request the documents required for changing your child’s last name.
Way 2: Completing the Forms Required For a Name Change
There are a lot of forms required for a name change, and you may need to complete duplicate documents. It is important to make copies of the documents after you proofread the papers. Remember that if you make an error, then it can delay your request for a change of a last name.
Way 3: Filing Your Legal Documents For Changing a Last Name
You must file your documents correctly according to the court’s guidelines, and you may need to do this at the courthouse. If you must file documents in person with an official, then make sure to receive a receipt. Alternatively, you may only need to mail the documents, so you should make sure to attach the correct amount of postage.
Way 4: Contacting the Other Parent
The courts may require you to contact the other parent, and in this case, you might need a legal affidavit that permits you to change a child’s last name. The most common reason for requesting a change in a child’s last name is remarriage so that the child has the same last name as a stepfather. Occasionally, a child needs to have a last name change because the wrong man was identified as the father, but with paternity testing, the correct man has been identified.
Way 5: Serving Information To the Other Parent
If you are unable to get a signature from the other parent to change a child’s last name, then you can serve papers to the individual through the courts. This can become complicated when the parent has abandoned a child, but you must make an effort to find the individual. The court officials can refuse a name change when the father won’t consent.
Way 6: Publishing the Name Change In Newspapers
In some regions, you must publish your intent to change a child’s last name in newspapers. You may need to publish this information in more than one newspaper for a certain number of days to give the absentee father a chance to refuse your request for changing his child’s last name.
Way 7: Attend Your Court Hearing
You will receive a notice about the day and time of your child’s last name change, so you should make sure to arrive for the hearing in a civil court.
Jim Treebold is a North Carolina based writer. He lives by the mantra of “Learn 1 new thing each day”! Jim loves to write, read, pedal around on his electric bike and dream of big things. Drop him a line if you like his writing, he loves hearing from his readers!