Steps To Changing Your Child's Last Name Following A Divorce


If you've recently been divorced and have a child with your ex-spouse, you might be wondering whether or not you can change your child's last name. Perhaps your child has your ex-spouse's last name and you'd prefer that not be the case. Unfortunately, getting your child's last name legally changed can be difficult--especially if you don't have consent from the other parent. Either way, you'll need to seek approval from a judge. By following these steps, you'll ensure the best chances of success in changing your child's last name.

1. Talk to Your Ex-Spouse

Start by getting a better feel for your ex-spouse's thoughts on the matter. How opposed is he to the name change? If he's strongly opposed to it, there's probably not much you can do to change his mind. However, if he seems to be on-the-fence about the idea, consider explaining what it would mean to you and how the name change could benefit the child in life. If he ends up agreeing to the name change, you'll still need to seek court approval, but it'll be more of a formality than anything else. 

If he still doesn't approve (which is often the case), things are going to be a little more difficult.

2. File a Petition with the Court

To get the legal process of changing your child's last name started, you'll need to file an official petition with the court. To do this, visit the clerk's office located in the county where your divorced was finalized or where your last child custody order was made. From there, you should be able to obtain all the forms you need, in addition to a court summons that you'll have to serve to your ex-spouse. Once you've filled out and returned the paperwork, you should be notified of your scheduled court date.

3. Gather Evidence to Present

Your best chance of successfully having your child's last name change will be to prove that your ex-spouse hasn't played a significant role in your child's life up until this point. Therefore, if you have evidence that your ex has missed child support payments or proof that he hasn't spent much time with your child, be sure to bring this to your court date. Furthermore, if your child is a teenager and agrees with the name change, ask him or her to write a letter to the court expressing this; then, have it notarized and bring it to your court date.

Talk to your divorce lawyer to get started in the name-changing process.

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I never even dreamed that I would be accused of a crime that I did not commit. I mean, stuff like that only happens on TV right? Well, at least that's what I thought until it actually happened to me. After being falsely identified by a witness, I found myself standing trial for a crime that I was truly innocent of. It was only with the help of my lawyer that I was able to prove my innocence and ultimately get back my good name. Watching my lawyer present my case to the jury, I must admit that I was impressed. It was in this moment that I knew just how special the legal system truly is. Today, I write this blog as a way of honoring the system that worked for me and to ensure that everyone has someplace to turn when dealing with legal issues of their own.

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