Legal Question in Family Law in Maryland

Child name change

My ex-wife has informed me that she intends to change my daughters last name with or without my consent. I would like to know what my rights are in regards to refusing this change. She wants to hyphenate the name to include the name of her soon-to-be husband. Does the fact that the name would be hyphenated make any difference as to her ability to change the name without my consent?


Asked on 5/20/01, 10:50 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert Sher Wagshal and Sher

Re: Child name change

You have a right to be heard on any name change regardless of whether it is going to be hyphenated or not. If you have joint legal custody, I think a court would deny the name change. Even if she has sole legal custody (not to be confused with residential or physical custody), you may be able to convince the court that it is not in the child's best interest to have this change, and is also detrimental to the father-child relationship.

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Answered on 6/22/01, 4:06 pm


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