How do I change my daughters last name? Missouri

[mommadraper85]

The biological father of my 7 year old daughter has not been in her life since she was 3 months old. He only paid child support for a few months when she was 2 due to it being garnished from his wages. I regretfully gave her his last name. I understand his name will always appear on her birth certificate, but I would like to change her last name to mine. She has known it to be mine her whole life outside of school so I would like to rid the whole confusing situation.

Thanks

[AFFA]

I wish to inform you that you can change name with permission from court. In this regard a petition for change of name of minor will be filed in court. If your child’s other parent does not agree to changing the child’s name, the judge will make a decision based on the best interest of your child. The judge will listen to everything you and your child’s other parent have to say, look at the facts of the situation, and decide what would be best for your child.

AFF

[mommadraper85]

Originally Posted by AFFA I wish to inform you that you can change name with permission from court. In this regard a petition for change of name of minor will be filed in court. If your child’s other parent does not agree to changing the child’s name, the judge will make a decision based on the best interest of your child. The judge will listen to everything you and your child’s other parent have to say, look at the facts of the situation, and decide what would be best for your child. AFF

What If the other parent is unable to be located?

[sandyclaus]

Originally Posted by mommadraper85 What If the other parent is unable to be located?

There are some courts that allow notice to be served upon the other party by publication, and that can often overcome any burden you have of making and exhausting all efforts to locate the other parent. If that's the case, and the child's father never responds, then the court may grant your request without his permission.