Legal Question in Family Law in California

Re: name change for child

To have your son's name changed legally, you must go to court to do so. If you have a paternity case already on file, you can file your motion for a name change in that case. The birth father (and any other parties to the case) must be served personally with the papers. At the hearing the Judge will look to the best interest of your son.

You should read California Code of Civil Procedure sections 1275 to 1279.6. Also your local family law facilitator may be able to help you.

Re: name change for child

Your son is free to use any meaning he likes without having it formally changed. There is no law against using any meaning you want to use, unless you are using it to commit some type of fraud. If you want to have the name changed formally, you can file a petition with the Superior Court. A copy of the petition will have to be served on his birth father, but if he does not object it will probably be granted.