Changing my children's names?

Do I need to get their father's "ok" to do this? We were married when they were born and they have his last name. He named my youngest and I've never cared for the name so I'm changing not only his last name but his first name as well - since there was no specification of custody in our divorce do I legally need him to say its alright to change their names if he no longer has any part of their lives?





I've already filed the paperwork in court but havent been able to get in touch with anyone since Wednesday to answer my question

Changing my children's names?
I am going thru this similar situation, In my case my sons father has been absent since I was 6 months pregnant. I am married now and my husbnad wants to adopt my son who will be seven this year. When I spoke to a paralegal prior to my marriage I did have not have to get consent from his absent father, however; I live in Ca. By law I have to post it publically in the newspaper for 30 days in the city that the other parent resides in. If they argue against it then I dont know what the legal steps would be after that. I dont think it is as easy for childrens names to be changed as it is for you as that is usually pronounced in your divorce certifiate. You may want to look into this or see a paralegal who can assist you. Your local county office can assist you with the paperwork and requirements if you can not afford a paralegal. I dont know if each county/state has differrent requirements.
Reply:You can change first and last names as long as you pay the paperwork fee, and make sure you ask for a list of all the places that you would have to send in the name change. Social Security is a big one that people forget, and if you don't make the name change then the child won't be able to collect on SS when they're older.


Good luck and sorry about your divorce.
Reply:Changing a child's last name is one thing (special circumstances such as adoption and what not) but changing a child's first name is wrong (I guess depending on the age, i was adopted, my birthname was shannon, and now it's Chesney) i was only 1 when my name was changed, i didn't know the difference. I do wonder why my name was changed but it's not a big deal now, i've had my name for 25 years.
Reply:Nope. You'll need their original birth certificates and it costs $100 per person or something like that.





It's probably not a good idea to change your kids' name if he's already 16, but anytime before that should be fine. Also, don't name him Apple or something ridiculous or in a few years you'll be wishing you spent that name change money on some much-needed therapy.
Reply:If your kids are babes, ok, otherwise you better get their imput. Nothing is more personal than a name. Your son is part of his father whether you like it or not. Take away his name and you strip the kid of any connectedness with his dad. That may suit your frame of mind, but it sends the message that it is "no good" How can you do that to a kid? He didn't choose his parents, you did. Now all of a sudden it isn't "OK " to be part of his father???
Reply:I talked to my lawyer about dropping my ex's last name off the end since my son has both out last names. My lawyer sugested to wait until he is 11 and if he wants to chance his name then go ahead. Just because you don't like the name doesn't mean you need to change it. If you really never liked it then you should have never named him that.
Reply:my opinion is that you shouldnt change your sons name... give him a nickname instead.... as for last names...are you getting remarried or just changing it out of spite???





in many states after the children have been considered abandoned (time that the father is completely out of the picture and varies from state to state) you do not need his permission but if he pays child support and is in contact with the kids you need his approval... and something tells me that he won't go for it
Reply:Well, I don't know about the legalities of having his permission. However, I think it would be a decent courtesy to let him know. It's sort of sealing the deal that you are over and the kids will be losing "his" name. I'd tell him.
Reply:No you do not need his ok to do this but think of it this way if you were him wouldn't you want to know about a decision like this?Take your answer to that and then go with it.
Reply:Won't that be confusing to your son? What's in a name anyhow? I wouldn't change your child's name. If he wants to when he is older, as in 18 let him, but don't make the choice for him.
Reply:its ok to take the first name away but why the last name?





thats his child dont change his last name





if their was no custody i think you have to ask him if its okay first
Reply:YES I think that would be down right mean even changing your kid's name!!!!! Don't change it!!!!
Reply:Think of the child not yourself
Reply:yes you do need his permission,,, and many dad will not give there permission to do that