Legal Question in Family Law in Ohio

Name Changes of Minor Child

I have given my child his fathers last name (we are no longer together and were never married) since his birth I have not heard from him. I would like to change his last name to mine. Do I really have to contact him if he is not on the birth certificate and is not active in his sons life? I do not have an adress or any clue where he is living?


Asked on 6/08/07, 1:30 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Edward DiCato Edward DiCato Attorney at Law

Re: Name Changes of Minor Child

Legally, there is no father at this point. His name was not on the birth certificate and you weren't married. Without some further Court proceeding, the law will not recognize him as the father. You should just be able to go to probate court and go through the procedure for a name change.

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Answered on 6/09/07, 4:40 pm
Nancy Fioritto Patete Nancy Fioritto Patete, Esq.

Re: Name Changes of Minor Child

Because you gave your child his or her father's last name, this acknowleges the known existence of the father. I suggest sending notice to the father at his last known address of the proposed name change. It is doubtful that this will make a difference.

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Answered on 6/11/07, 6:47 am


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