How to Change Your Stepkids Last Name
Making the decision on whether or not to have the stepkids change their last name to their stepfather's surname is a difficult one. There are a series of legal, economical and emotional ramifications that accompany it. However, if both the stepparent and the children's parent agree that it is the right decision, following these steps will make the process a little easier.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
Changing Their Name
-
1
Determine why the child wants to have the name change. This is something that the court is going to want to know because they want to know the motive. Is the child concerned with his last name or is this some sort of a power battle between the two biological parents?
-
2
Petition the county court where you reside. Any fees that the court has must be paid in full before the court will see you. If the stepchild is under the age of 18, the petitioning parent must go there with the child because a legal name change under that age is illegal without parental consent.
-
-
3
Notice must be provided to the non-petitioning biological parent. If the whereabouts of that parent is known, a letter will be sent to the parent. If the whereabouts is not known, one method of letting the parent know what is going on is to publish it in a newspaper.
-
4
Have the child talk to the judge. The judge is interested in three things. The first is whether this is in the child's best interest. The second is whether it is the child's desire, influences the child's identity, what effect this will have on any family, and why the change is wanted now. If the child is too young to understand the whole process, the judge will skip the second step. However, the judge will still consider what is in the best interest of the child.
-
5
Talk to the judge as the custodial parent. This is the third thing the judge wants to know. Why is this parent requesting a name change of the child? The judge is interested in ensuring there is no foul play.
-
6
Accept the judge's rule on the case. It is made based on the arguments from the custodial parent as well as the other parent. If the name change is approved, the parent then has to take the child to the social security office to get the name changed through their department. Once that is done, their name is legally changed.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
When considering a name change for a stepchild, consider only one thing: the child's best interest.
