Minor Name Change

I live in KY. My daughter is 10 years old. She has had no contact with her biological father since 3/12/06. Her father's wages are garnished for court ordered child support which I receive each month - so he has not abandoned her entirely.

My daughter's name is Mary Louise Wells (not actual name). I want to add my last name to her name so that it would me Mary Louise Wells Smith. Also, she has been asking me to do this for several months because she has no contact with her father, and so does not want his last name.

My question is this: can he contest me changing her last name? If yes, on what grounds? What is my recourse? Would the court grant my request based on the fact that he has no contact with our daughter?

Thanks for your help!!!

Originally Posted by LMM

I live in KY. My daughter is 10 years old. She has had no contact with her biological father since 3/12/06. Her father's wages are garnished for court ordered child support which I receive each month - so he has not abandoned her entirely.

My daughter's name is Mary Louise Wells (not actual name). I want to add my last name to her name so that it would me Mary Louise Wells Smith. Also, she has been asking me to do this for several months because she has no contact with her father, and so does not want his last name.

My question is this: can he contest me changing her last name? If yes, on what grounds? What is my recourse? Would the court grant my request based on the fact that he has no contact with our daughter?

Thanks for your help!!!

he does have contact with your daughter- child support is considered contact. you need dad's permission to change the child's name.