Child Name Change Process

Summary

In Indiana, to change your childs last name, you must file a Petition for Change of Name of Minor in your local circuit court and notify the other parent via certified mail. Even if you have sole custody, the other parents rights must be considered. If the other parent denies, the court will schedule a hearing to determine the best interests of the child. If the other parent doesnt show up, the court may proceed in their absence, provided they were properly notified. Consult a family law attorney for personalized advice.

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Jolean Osborn
Hello Jolean Osborn, nice to meet you. How can I assist you with your legal issue today?
Child last name change , father is on birth certificate
Hello Jolean, in Indiana, you need to petition the court for a name change. The legal process usually involves:
- Filing a Petition for Change of Name of Minor
- Notifying the other parent
- A hearing in court
Do you want to change it to your last name or a completely different name?
Change to my last name only, so he has the same as me. I have sole custody of him
In Indiana, to change your child's last name, please follow these steps:
- File a "Petition for Change of Name of Minor" in your local circuit court.
- Notify the other parent via certified mail.
- Attend a court hearing.
Please note, even if you have sole custody, the other parent's rights must be considered.
what If the other parent denies
If the other parent denies, the court will schedule a hearing. Both parents must attend. The judge will consider the best interests of the child before making a decision. It's recommended to consult with a family law attorney.
Okay thank you, what if the parent doesn't show up? will it reschedule
If the other parent doesn't show up for the hearing, the court may proceed with the hearing in their absence, considering the best interest of the child. However, it's important that they were properly notified. Please consult with a family law attorney for advice specific to your situation.