I have 2 kids with me full time from previous marriage they have had no contact with their bio father in over 4 years - his choosing! I have been remarried for 8years and we have a little one together. My older kids call my now husband dad and view us as a family of 5 unit. They have both requested their names be changed to our last name as they don’t want to be associated with bio father - 100% their choice! I have put if off for a while as I don’t want them to have regrets about 18 months ago we changed their “preferred name” to our surname but they have been asking to change it all the way so their report cards, passports etc have same surname as rest of family. How do I go about this? As I said no contact with bio father in over 4 years and he has a hefty arrears amount with CS agency that I don’t expect to ever see. I’m not bothered by the child support I can support my kids with all they need if he ever does cough up the money it will be going straight into the kids accounts for when they are older. I just want kids to be happy and they currently get very angry/upset when they are referred to as their legal surname.
5 Replies
I’m not really sure but I am fairly certain it’s a longer process now, then if they chose to do it once they turn 18 but I’m not 100% sure either
How old are they?
You either have to get his signed permission on the paper work and then put the application through or if he doesn’t want to sign it you need to fill out your part of the paper work and lodge it through the courts and a judge will decide for you if they think that it is in the best interest of the child. But just remember if it goes through court (they will let the bio dad know) then he has every right to turn up on the day and fight it in front of the judge. The. You are opening the door of having him back in your life and not being able to stop him from starting to court proceedings for visitation/ custody. I’m pretty sure (don’t not %100 though) that one your children are 12 you don’t need the fathers permission.
Also changing your child’s name is definitely not parent alienation. Just sounds like your ex is a selfish dickhead
You need his signature.
What happens if you break up? Will you go back to your maiden name? And youngest will have dad's name, but what about these 2 then?
You’ll need bio dads permission or they’re stuck with that last name until they are 18 and the can change it on the deed pole thingy ma jig. I wanted to change my last name to my step dads last name and couldn’t because my bio dad would not I’ve permission. Unless dads willing to give permission it’s not going to happen for you. You could always seek legal counsel which would be best for your situation.