Legal Question in Family Law in Pennsylvania
Name change minor child
I would like to change my eight yr old daughter's last name to my married name. I am currently married to her stepfather who she believes to be her real father. The paternal parent is not in the picture and hasnt been since she was one. I am looking for the most affordable way to do this. She was born in Maryland but now we live in Pennsylania. I dont know if that makes a difference.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Name change minor child
The best way will cost some money; but it's best for your child. Your husband should adopt your daughter. Her name can be changed as part of the adoption and her birth certificate can be changed to show your husband as her father. The cheapest was would be to simply use your husband's last name. As long as you do it consistently it is "legal". Next on the scale is a name change petition; but this will require you to give notice to the father. As long as the absent father remains the father he retains certain parental rights. It would be best for your child to terminate those rights through an adoption.
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