[littletanzy]

I have seen a lot of posts concerning name changes for step- children. The question I have is...if the child has the mother's last name, but lives with the father and his wife ( and the father has legal custody of the child)...and the child has asked for her name to be changed to that of the father's...what do you do? Now, keep in mind, the mother has visitation, and is "supposed" to be paying support, but, stays in jail too much to ever do it? I know the laws for every state are different, and I'm assuming since she has visitation, and I believe joint-custody, that she would have to be notified. But, if she contests it, and the child still wants it done, will there be someone appointed by the courts to represent the childs wishes? With the mother being in jail, how much influence would she really have in the situation? It has been noted by the courts that she has failled to live up to the visitation schedule, and that she is seriously behind in support.
Is any of this taken into consideration?

Any knowlegde of this would be appreciated.

[Kallen330]

Here is a link with the name change laws for all 50 states. Scroll to the bottom of the page and you will find the links.

[Edited To Remove the URL to a Retail website.]


The stepmother could adopt and a new name would be given to the child then as well.

Hope this helps!

[numbr1dbcksfan]

File for a name change with the court(same case number and such as your custody case), yes, she would have to be notified, but the judge can make a ruling without her....it isnt life or death! Your wife would NOT have to adopt to change the name. Just make sure you get a certified copy of the ruling to take to the proper places and change the BC and SSC.