[robzgrl29]

I am recently married, my husband and I, as well as my Daughter, would like to change her last name to match ours. When she was born she had my last name, then her father changed it to his own. We were never married but have joint custody. I live in AZ he lives in WI. Our child support records are there. I don't think he will agree to the name change, more out of spite than anything else. I am looking to find out how I go about getting the change done. Can anyone help?

[Sharon]

Robzgrl,
I'm not sure you'll be able to do this unless your current husband legally adopts your child, and he can't do that unless the birthfather relinquishes his rights.
Why is it so important to change your daughter's last name?
~ Sharon

[robzgrl29]

It's not really that it matters so much to me as it does my daughter and my husband. My daughter brought it up that she wanted to do it, and my husband was very touched that she did. Thank you for your reply. I will have to try and contact her fahter and see what he says. He does not take calls from me. I can go through his mom though.

[ballet_slippers]

My mother made me assume my stepfathers surname because she didnt want to be called Mrs. So and So when we were in school. I assumed his name until I went to work (age 15). His name was on all sorts of legal documents, which is quite a struggle right now as my sons adoption was under my assumed name, as well as his surname at birth. This is not a legal practice but it is a common one. My son also has his fathers surname, I thought of allowing him to assume our name too, but decided against it. I think that Sharon is right about your husband and even yourself will have to adopt your own child, yes sounds silly doesnt it.
When my mother had my brother she wasnt married when she did get married they both had to adopt my brother...even as far as the home study if you can imagine.lol. This was a long time ago so hopefully things have changed a bit since 1960's.
To get information on this I would contact Vital Statistics in your area

My daughter hasn't seen her bio father since 1997. Our divorce was final in 1998. The whole 4 years we were married he was overseas in the military. I remarried in 1999. My daughter now wants to change her lastname to match her stepfathers name because she said she doesn't want her bio dads lastname anymore since he wants nothing to do with her. My daughter is 9 years old. Last known location for her bio father is West Virginia and we live in PA. Is this something she'll have to go to a judge to have done or what can we do to change her last name legally?

[robzgrl29]

Thank you both for the advise, I will call my vital statisics and see what they say. Thanks again. Holly