Can I Change My Child’s Name Without the Father’s Consent?

We are experienced name change lawyers in St. Louis. Our firm has handled every type of name change situation, from divorce to a minor child’s legal adoption.

It’s not uncommon for most people to think about legally changing their name at some point. Various reasons and scenarios are involved in needing or wanting to change your child’s first or last name. And your reasons are unique to your particular circumstances.

If you are the mother of a minor and need or want to change your child’s name, you likely have many questions. This is especially true for a mother where the father of her child isn’t involved in the child’s life or if the father’s location is unknown.

Note: This information is the same for a father whose child’s mother is not in the picture.

Reasons for Changing Your Child’s Name

First, you do need a valid reason to change their name legally. A child’s first, middle, or last name can be changed legally. Here are some common reasons a child may want or need a legal name change:

• A parent might change their mind about their baby’s name.
• Your child might have a nickname that they prefer.
• Non-gender conforming individuals, such as transgender or non-binary, find that they wish to find a name that fits their identity.
• A mother may wish to change her child’s last name if the father is no longer in the picture.
• As the parent marries or divorces, the child might need a different family name.
• When a child is adopted by their step-father, they may want to change their child’s surname.

If you live in Missouri and need or want to change your child’s name, contact The Betz Law Firm. We are experienced name change lawyers in St. Louis. Our firm has handled every type of name change situation, from divorce to a minor child’s legal adoption.

Can You Change Your Child’s Name Without the Father’s Consent?

Legally changing your child’s name is semi-complicated in general. However, the situation becomes more complicated if the father cannot be found or is no longer in the picture.

The simple answer is that you cannot avoid notifying a parent about their child’s proposed name change. As the mother, you must file a petition requesting the name change. The father must be served with copies of the name change papers and be given a chance to object. If their location is unknown, you will have to search for them and ensure they are served with the name chanage papers after filing. If they cannt be located, it will be up to the judge to grant or deny the request without the other parent’s consent.

St. Louis Name Change Lawyers

Fortunately, you do not have to go through the process alone, nor do you have to figure out all of the legal technicalities without help. The Betz Law Firm is here to assist you with your petition to ensure there are no unforeseen hurdles during the process.