Legal Question in Family Law in New York
chilren want to use step-fathers sur name along with fathers sur name
my three children from a previous marriage (ages 10-15) would like to hyphenate their last name using their fathers sur name along with step-father sur name can they do this with out legally changing their name? they dont want to exclude their father but they want to aknowledge their step father
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: chilren want to use step-fathers sur name along with fathers sur name
First, you must look toward the Separation/Settlement Agreement. Most agreements state that the minor child will not use any other sur name.
If the agreement is silent as to that provision, changing a name is relatively easy under NY Civil Rights Law section 60. You will have to petition the Court on behalf of the minor to change the name.
Mike.