Legal Question in Family Law in Massachusetts
Childs name change
I am a single parent whose name is listed on my childs birth certificate. He legally has his mothers last name on the birth certificate. He has always used my last name for schooling and other documents. His mother and I are in agreement to change his last name to mine (his fathers). How do I go about making that change?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Childs name change
You can use any name you want, which probably goes for your child as well, under Mass. common law. If you want to change the child's name legally, you have to file a petition in the probate court (forms available online or at any probate court). If you want to change the birth certificate, you will have to adopt the child or petition the probate court to change the birth certificate. Since you are listed as the father, you may not be able to adopt.
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