Legal Question in Family Law in California
Changing 6-year old daughters last name
My girlfriend has a 6 year old daughter that I have helped raise as my own. The biological father has not been in her life for over 5 years. He pays no child support and she is understand my girlfriends last name under school, dental and her doctors office however not on her social security card or birth certificate. What would be the easiest way to change seeing that after one year its considered abandonment and she had the baby when she was 16 years old? Should I just wait until we are married and adopt?
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Changing 6-year old daughters last name
Although you can go through the process to adopt the child now, it would be easier to adopt her after marriage to the childs mother.
Re: Changing 6-year old daughters last name
That is probably easier. You could file a motion with the court to change her name, in the paternity action, if one exists, however, it would be done with an adoption. Good Luck, Pat McCrary