Legal Question in Family Law in Texas

children's name change

My ex husband hasn't seen my 2 kids (age 3 and 6) or paid child support since July 2001. As far as my kids are concerned my new husband is their daddy. They call him dad. We would like to change their last name to match ours, he would love to adopt them but I don't think my ex would sign over rights just to spite me. We have joint custody with me as managing conservetory. What would I need to do to get their last name changed and would I have to have approval of their dead beat dad? Please advise.


Asked on 12/05/01, 3:04 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

James Grissom Law Office of James P. Grissom

Re: children's name change

You could seek to terminate thr father's parental rights for failure to pay support and failure to visit his children. Otherwise, you can petition the court to change the last names of the children. The latter is less expensive but the first is more inclusive. If you want my assistance with this matter, contact me by e-mail.

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Answered on 12/05/01, 4:06 pm

Re: children's name change

You can take him to court for not paying childsupport and you can go to court and ask them to change their names over tell them that their daddy is not paying a dime for their food or clothes or mededcation or any thing plus try to get full cusety over them but you got to remember what is the reason you and him are seperated for to if you not seperated for a very good reason the judge is most likey tosay no you can have full control over your kids but the chidsupport will most likely make the judge think differnt about your case for he an't do nothing for them

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Answered on 12/05/01, 5:34 pm


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