Legal Question in Family Law in Florida

State of Florida:
At time of divorce, child's last name was one way - during mediation, ex had complete melt down on anything in the divorce papers that could slow the process. Last thing he targeted was the name we chose at birth.
Father is no longer in picture, last communication with boy was over 3 years ago and his whereabouts are unknown. Last communication to me was that he was moving west to California or Las Vegas.
How do we move on?
1. current name bothers child, does not like hyphenated last name, which is problematic at school because it is written everywhere.
2. set up some protection for him if something happens to me, that my parents can have legal guardianship in my absence? The boy has lived with me and my parents every night since he was born. He knows no other home.

Asked on 10/07/15, 9:19 am

John Smitten Carey and Leisure

0 users found helpful

0 attorneys agreed

File a petition with the court to change the name.

Answered on 10/07/15, 6:30 pm

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