Legal Question in Family Law in Oregon

Re: legal name change for minor

QUESTION: I am getting married and having a baby and would like to change my son's name to his stepfathers (this is what my son wants). Do I have to get his biological father's permission?

ANSWER: If the birth certificate identifies a "father" (as opposed to the line being left blank), it generally means that "legal paternity" has been established somewhere along the line. If you now want to legally change the child's name, you need to get a court order that declares the change-of-name. Father must be given notice of the requested name change. The court will easily grant the name change petition if the father gives consent. If he objects, a court hearing would be held and the court would hear the objections and then make a ruling. If the court determines that the change of name is in the best interests of the child, the court has the power to grant the petition, even over the father's objections.

QUESTION:

Is there a way to change the name but not adopt?

ANSWER: Yes. See above. Petition the court for a judgment legally changing the child's name.

L.D. Gorin