If I want to change my kids names but the father isn't around?

Haven't spoken to him in over 5months. He doesn't pay child support and changed his number so I can't contact him.



How do I go about getting their names change when he has to sign for it?If I want to change my kids names but the father isn't around?
Why change their names? Is it only because he is not around? Whatever his (the father's) last name is that is what your kid are as well.

Even though he is a dead beat dad i would not take away their last name. What if one of these days when you change their last name to yours and they don't know who they are related to and end up dating them? I know this has happened before because of changed last names.



Go and sign up on welfare and they will get up with him to pay child support.



I know a girl that got the father of her child to sign all rights over but she did not change the child's last name out of his.If I want to change my kids names but the father isn't around?
Not at all.

There′s no way of getting around his permit.
To do anything that legally requires his participation you would have to file abandonment papers with the court. It can be a pain, and there are strict guidelines, but if he is going to be a deadbeat, you may be better off. This will give you sole custody, but remember that with this comes the fact that he will no longer have to pay child support, and will not owe you back child support.

Check with your local court, their library should contain the information you need.
go to the local family court house. I am sure they can direct you on this situation. It may be a family court issue or a simple form, however it may require a fee.
ask a solicitor. i guess the dad would have to be traced or at least you would have to prove you had done your best to trace him then the decision would be up to the judge who could probably take away his parental responsibility in his absence. hope this makes sense
Do you have sole custody? If so, you change them the way you would normally (written request to department of social security, principal's office at their schools, etc).



Without sole custody, you would apply to the court that determined the details of the divorce for permission. If you're doing it to avoid contact with him, you probably won't be allowed to unless you can prove abuse.



Of course, I am making the huge assumption that you were married and there was a divorce. If he just disappeared, then you can petition the court for abandomnent and, effectively get a divorce.
my sister changed her sons name. u only need the fathers permission if his signature is on the birth certificate. u have to take the birth certificate to get notarized of the changes then u have to mail it to the address on the certificate i think its free until they're 1 im not sure how much after that. what if u didnt know who the father was or it turned out it wasnt who u thought so why would u need his permission????? good luck
Unfortunately, I too believe that you need the father's permission if he's on the birth certificate. I am in almost the same situation as you, except unfortunately again, my ex won't just disappear. He's just like yours, except he comes to visit sometimes. So I understand how you feel. It's awkward for your child to have a different last name when the father's not around, and also to have that stigma of the father's family and his behavior attached to your child's name. Ignore all the other people who think they are perfect who don't agree.
I have been in your situation.. Never married had 2 kids... here is the deal. If the fathers name is NOT on the birth certificate then you don't need permission from anyone.. Just go into the court house and they will grant it...basically no questions asked. Under certain circumstances they will even do it for free.. Just ask about having it waived.



If his name IS on the birth certificate he has to either sign away the rights, because he as a father has that right... (Makes me sick, because in our situation WE are the 100% parent and it feels like we should have 100% rights with our kids.. but the law does not side with us on this.)



The other option with out him signing for it... (If you have no idea where he is...) Is that you can put out an attempt to locate. Your lawyer can help you with this, and as long as you proved you honestly attempted as best as you could to make contact with him and did not.. you can be allowed to change your kids' names.





I hope this helps.... Have fun being a 100% Single Mommy... It can be rough, but you get 100% of the reward!