Los Angeles, CA asked in Family Law for California

Q: I would like to legally change my sons last name from his fathers to mine. What is the cost of and what do I have to do?

His dad lives in a different state, he has only seen him twice(before he was 1yr old), he doesn't provide me with child support and my son is almost 5.

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2 Lawyer Answers
Eric Ridley
Eric Ridley
Answered
  • Port Hueneme, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: Do you have a court order terminating the father's parental rights? Even though he has been absent, before you proceed, you should get a court to award you full physical and legal custody. Once you've done so, changing a name is simple and inexpensive, and you can do it without an attorney.

1 user found this answer helpful

Mr. David Thomas Pisarra
Mr. David Thomas Pisarra
Answered
  • Santa Monica, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: The father has a right to be notified and to contest the name change, you should try to speak to him, and get his consent, it might be easier than you think .

The forms are very simple, it's a basic filing with the court, publication and appearance for 2 minutes in front of a judge.

1 user found this answer helpful

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