Legal Question in Family Law in North Dakota

I wish to adopt my wife's son... what would that take?

My wife had a son befor we got married. The father is unknown. What would it take to get his name changed from her madian name to our new last name? He is 9 years old and he is bothered he has a different last name than we do. What would we have to do and how much would it cost?

thanks for your help


Asked on 1/12/00, 11:22 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Lyle Johnson Bedi and Johnson Attorneys at Law

Re: I wish to adopt my wife's son... what would that take?

You can change his name on the school records and other areas of his life without taking any legal action. To legally change his name you must either file a petition for a chang of name or the name change would be part of a step parent adoption. To adopt the child the father's parental rights must be terminated. Contact the department of social services for the county in which you live and ask for an application for a step parent adoption. Fill out the application and submitt it.

The process is somewhat complex and the law is strictly followed by the court. You should hire an attorney to represent you if you decide to proceed with the step parent adoption.

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Answered on 1/19/00, 4:27 am


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