Legal Question in Family Law in New York

Re: changing a childs name without a father

This is not a difficult process. Notice to the father would not be required if he has, legally, lost his paternal rights. (This is a point to discuss with a lawyer, or just give notice to the father anyway.)

My fee would be $500.00.

Name Change in Supreme and NYC Civil Courts

Go to the following website of your choice, and download the documents, file them in Civil or Supreme court (Civil is less costly but involves more legwork, Supreme costs a little more but is quicker.) There are special requirements if you are a greencard holder or naturalized citizan and notice has to be given to any spouse, any ex-spouse being supported, any children or guardians of your children you might have. I favor Supreme Court as being neater. If the father lost all rights a certified copy of the order will be required.

Supreme Court:http://www.nycourts.gov/forms/namechange.shtml

NYC Civil Court:http://www.courts.state.ny.us/courts/nyc/civil/forms.shtml#namechange

This was previously answered at http://www.lawguru.com/cgi/bbs/mesg.cgi?i=901474843

Re: changing a childs name without a father

You don't say how old the child is, but it shouldn't be extraordinarily difficult, at least if no one is going to object, a name change could be done on civil or district court. You could do it yourself or you can hire an attorney.

Should you like to discuss this or any other legal matter, you can e-mail me for more information about low cost face-to-face, on-line, or a telephone consultation with a lawyer in our office.