Oct
11
2011
By Guest (not verified)
Hi.
My daughter's biological father has never been a part of her life (never seen her or talked to her). She is 8 years old and has never met her biological dad. He is not named on her birth certificate. I have been remarried now for 5 years and would like to change her last name to my husband's last name; especially since she identifies him as her dad.
Is it possible to simply change her last name and not go through the process of having my husband adopot my daughter? I really don't have the money to do that.
Forums:
Update: Name Change for a Minor
I should mention that my daughter has my maiden name for her last name currently and not her biological father's last name.
Name change for minor
We specialize in Social Security issues, and not name changes per se. Name change procedures vary from state to state.
For example, in California, to legally change a child's name, you usually need a court order. Your case sounds relatively straight-forward, but for a minor, things can get more difficult when divorce or paternity issues are involved.
Here's an example link to info about California's procedure :
http://www.courts.ca.gov/1052.htm
Name change Information
You can modify the birth certificate can be modified but the cut off age varies by state. Check with the local vital record department in your area.