Changing last name when 18

[Nevergrowup]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? WA

When my daughter turns 18, to change her last name, we no longer have to go through family court, correct? At that point, her father doesn't have to agree, she just goes through a normal name change process for the state in which we reside?

This might be a stupid question but because child support extends I wasn't sure how this is handled (not that he pays the support owed but that is a separate issue).

 

[wavehopper27]

Once she is 18, she is a legal adult and can legally decide such things for herself regardless of what either parent wants.

 

[Nevergrowup]

Once she is 18, she is a legal adult and can legally decide such things for herself regardless of what either parent wants.

Perfect! I'm glad I don't even have to be involved, it is her choice. She has a hyphenated last name she has hated since it was forced on her at age 9. I agreed to hyphenate to avoid a court battle and to try to be a good coparent, but she has always disliked it immensely, even when her father and I tried to make it seem like it was exciting. Makes me regret not giving in and just changing it completely. When she asks about changing it (as she started to do around 15) I have always said "when you are 18 you can make that decision" and I was hoping I was correct, lol. I figured I was but like I said, since child support goes past 18 (again, not like I get it) I wasn't totally sure. She is now 17 and wants to look into it to see how much she needs to save to pay for it.