Legal Question in Family Law in California

Name Change Minor Child

I have filed all my paper work for the name change of my minor child (age 3) and court date is in 1 wk. I have really 2 questions. If no one shows up to fight the name change is it a given that the judge will grant it? If her biological father shows to fight what documentation should I have on hand. He has had NO contact with us in almost 2yrs. No child support, calls, emails, nothing thats almost 2yrs abandonment. Do I have anything to worry about if he shows? Thank you in advance!!


Asked on 1/20/06, 12:47 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Lyle Johnson Bedi and Johnson Attorneys at Law

Re: Name Change Minor Child

If father does not appear you should be prepared to convince the judge that changing the child's last name is in the child's best interests. If father appears and opposes the request for a name change it will be more difficult to convince the judge. However the fact that he has had not contact with the child and has not supported the child for nearly two years would be important evidence that changing the childs name to be the same as yours would be in the child's best interests.

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Answered on 1/24/06, 2:18 am


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