Legal Question in Family Law in New York
Child Custody
We have had custody of our 13 year old neice for three years. She wants to change her last name to read ours.Please tell me if and/or how we can go about changing it. It is really important to her.
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Child Custody
You will have to go to court to have her name changed. Depending on the circumstances, the judge may allow her to change her name without you formally adopting her. I cannot tell you if this will be the case, but you can call your local surrogates court to get more information.
Re: Child Custody
You, on behalf of the girl, can petition the Court for a change of name.
The petition is usually filed in either the NY Supreme Court or the local Civil or District Court.
The exact procedure can be found in Article 6 of the NY Civil Rights law. However, I suggest that you contact an attorney to prepare the documents.
Mike.
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