Finally 18yrs old what can I do now!!!

She has finally turned 18 and wants to change her last name to her fathers (step) her biological father has never allowed him to adopt her, although he has no contact with her. Child support was a joke. We just to end the torment and she wants the name that her family has. She is graduating from school in a few weeks and going into the military and wants our name. We don't have money for attorneys but would like to help her fullfill her life long wish.

[I AM ALWAYS LIABLE]

x

[This message has been edited by I AM ALWAYS LIABLE (edited October 13, 2000).]

I am trying really hard to send you a message but I keep goofing up. Her state of residency is Ohio and so is mine. We have an appointment with a lawyer tomorrow at 2:00. We don't have to pay for tomorrow, but I am not sure what he will tell us. I would like somewhat to be prepared. She is asking questions that I don't have answers to.

[I AM ALWAYS LIABLE]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by mom of the 18yr old:
[b]I am trying really hard to send you a message but I keep goofing up. Her state of residency is Ohio and so is mine. We have an appointment with a lawyer tomorrow at 2:00. We don't have to pay for tomorrow, but I am not sure what he will tell us. I would like somewhat to be prepared. She is asking questions that I don't have answers to. [/b]<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>


My response:

Okay, this is real simple. Her attorney will file an "Application for Name Change" with the Probate Court, and obtain a hearing date. Prior to the hearing, the Notice of Intent to Change Name is published in a newspaper at least 30 days prior to the hearing date. Publishing gives the world Notice of the same, allowing anyone who has reason, to object to the same and come before the court. Then, after Notice has been published for the proper amount of time, you'll go to hearing, the judge may ask a couple of questions, if at all, and then the judge will place his right hand on her forehead, annoint her with the sacred oils, say a few magic words, shoot a couple of hoops with Shaq, dance around the Fire of the Gods, say more magic words, require all persons in the gallery to bow and curtsy toward her, and then finally sign the Order. It's really quite simple.

HERE'S THE LAW:

§ 2717.01 Proceedings to change name of person.
Volume of Ohio Laws: 141 v S 248. Eff 12-17-86. Bill Number: Senate Bill 248 Effective Date: 12-17-86
Text of Statute
(A) A person desiring a change of name may file an application in the probate court of the county in which the person resides. The application shall set forth that the applicant has been a bona fide resident of that county for at least one year prior to the filing of the application, the cause for which the change of name is sought, and the requested new name.
Notice of the application shall be given once by publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the county at least thirty days before the hearing on the application. The notice shall set forth the court in which the application was filed, the case number, and the date and time of the hearing.
Upon proof that proper notice was given and that the facts set forth in the application show reasonable and proper cause for changing the name of the applicant, the court may order the change of name.
(B) An application for change of name may be made on behalf of a minor by either of the minor's parents, a legal guardian, or a guardian ad litem. When application is made on behalf of a minor, in addition to the notice and proof required pursuant to division (A) of this section, the consent of both living, legal parents of the minor shall be filed, or notice of the hearing shall be given to the parent or parents not consenting by certified mail, return receipt requested. If there is no known father of the minor, the notice shall be given to the person who the mother of the minor alleges to be the father. If no father is so alleged, or if either parent or the address of either parent is unknown, notice pursuant to division (A) of this section shall be sufficient as to the father or parent.
Any additional notice required by this division may be waived in writing by any person entitled to the notice. CHAPTER 2719: CORRECTION OF DEFECTS IN INSTRUMENTS OR PROCEEDINGS


Good luck.

IAAL

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[This message has been edited by I AM ALWAYS LIABLE (edited May 10, 2000).]