Can I change my daughters last name without her fathers consent ?

[Lolaa]

Recently left an abusive relationship with my daughters father. We both have restraining orders against him. He has never been involved and is not on child support but did sign her birth certificate. Can I change my baby’s last name without his consent ?

 

[quincy]

What is the name of your state?

 

[Lolaa]

What is the name of your state?

Massachusetts

 

[adjusterjack]

Here's the process:

https://www.mass.gov/how-to/change-the-name-of-a-child-under-18
Read the petition form in the link provided. Note that if you don't have the father's consent you will have to convince the court that it is in the best interest of the child for the court to allow the name change without the father's consent.

How you would do that is anybody's guess.

 

[FlyingRon]

Restraining orders do not abolish paternity. He will need to be served with the name change papers and as AJ says, you must convince the judge that it is the best interests of the child.

 

[adjusterjack]

as Q says, you must convince the judge that it is the best interests of the child.

Uh, wasn't Q.

 

[Just Blue]

Massachusetts

No. But you can request it in court. You should also file for support. How old is the child?

 

[Just Blue]

Uh, wasn't Q.

Poor overlooked, Jack.

 

[FlyingRon]

Uh, wasn't Q.

Sorry about that, Chief.