Legal Question in Family Law in Maryland

Minor name change w/o bio father consent

I wish to change the middle name of my minor child without the biological fathers consent. The child has my last name. We were never married. We do have a custody and child support order. He sees child regularly. Can I do this without his knowledge of consent?


Asked on 1/20/05, 12:25 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Fred Kaufman Fredrick S. Kaufman, Esquire

Re: Minor name change w/o bio father consent

Can you change a child's name witout giving due process or notice to the parent with parental rights to the child?

ANSWER: No. However, some courts feel that if he didn't marry you and legitimize the child, he has no right to demand the child keep his name. You have to give him notce of any court case for a name change, but chances are you might succeed.

Good luck.

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Answered on 1/22/05, 4:52 pm
Michael Hendrickson Law Office Michael E. Hendrickson

Re: Minor name change w/o bio father consent

You can pick up up a packet of forms with instructions at your nearest circuit court clerk's office (civil division)entitled "Name Change For A Minor Child" which will explain how to accomplish the name change for your son without involving the services of an attorney.

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Answered on 1/20/05, 8:20 pm


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