Legal Question in Family Law in California

Re: Minor name change and adoption.

California law gives the custodial parent great lattitude in changing the last name of a child if it is in the best interests of the child. This is not a legal name change, but allows the child to assume the same name as the mother.

In regard to adoption you should contact the natural father and ask if he is willing to relinquish he parental rights, which would terminate his obligation to provide support for the child. Fathers that have minimal contact with a child are often willing to relinquish their parental rights to avoid the payment of child support. The services of an attorney would help you get through the twists and turns of a step parent adoption.