Changing child's last name to mine? Help!

[blueintx]

For my friend, she had a kid five years ago, she did put the last name on the birth certificate of the kids fathers but he left her as the baby was born. He was abusive to her and no child support in 5 years cause he doesn't work cause of anxiety? He never shows to court for scheduling visits, then again he doesn't care for his kid, never seen his kid in 5 years. Can she drop his last name from her kid? And how?

 

[LucyLadyBug]

It might be different if your friend can provide evidence of his lack of interest. But as far as I know all adults with parental responsibility would need to provide written consent to the courts. This is an article I read earlier today if this helps at all.

https://www.theguardian.com/money/2013/feb/06/changing-your-name-dos-and-donts

I'm looking to change my name via deed poll next year to that of my partners (in a poly vee and so opting for a none legal commitment ceremony with manual name change to both of theirs with a double barrel rather than legally marrying one over the other)

 

[blueintx]

Well, more likely he won't show up to court, but why should he be asked consent? Court records would prove that he never showed for visitation hearings, he hasn't paid child support and he has 0 interest in his kid. He abused the kid's mom, she's afraid of Him for what he did to her, why does the victim face more victimization by contacting him to ask for consent to the name changed? He has denied the kid, DNA tests proved otherwise, but still insisted he wasn't the father. seeing her kid write his dad's last name is a painful reminder as well.

 

[LucyLadyBug]

he should be asked during normal procedure because that is the law as he is listed as a father and technically has guardian rights. I'm entirely sure given the evidence you say that the courts would see in your friends' favour (though she should seek specialist legal advice). But procedures like this ate to prevent name changes without fair parental consent following divorce or remarriage and things like that.

 

[Dezireey]

Er, I'm confused. The title of the thread says ' changing child's last name to mine' and you are talking about your friend. Are you her new partner and want the child to have your surname? If you do,I think you have to adopt the child first and get the fathers name off the birth certificate, or be married to the mother? Aside from that, it takes a lot of time and paperwork and it can be done eventually. The kid can get it done by deed poll anyway when they grow up if they wish.