Q: I want to change my child’s last name to mine and terminate fathers rights. How do I go about this process?
Father is not listed on the birth certificate and paternity has not been established. I have no contact information and whereabouts are unknown.
A: In all name changes for minors in Ohio, both natural parents must consent to the name change or be notified of the hearing on the application for the change of the minor's name. If one parent does not consent that parent must be served with notice of the application and hearing by certified mail. One parent cannot unilaterally terminate the other parent's rights without a valid legal proceeding such as step parent adoption.
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