Legal Question in Family Law in Nevada

my husband wants my daughter to have his last name. she is my daughter from a previous relationship. her father is not on the birth certificate, but there is a court order for child support, but he hasnt paid in 3 or 4 yrs. how can we go about changing her last name(which is my maiden Name),without involving her father.

he has really never had anything to do with her.


Asked on 11/08/12, 5:15 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Husna Alikhan Alikhan Law Office

You need to Petition the Court for a Name Change. There are name change forms available at the self-help center at Family Court, 601 N. Pecos Rd., Las Vegas, Nevada. However, in order to save time and long-term costs associated with the name change, I would advise you to enlist the assistance of an experienced family law attorney to ensure that you are complying with all the procedural requirements. Feel free to contact my office for a "free consultation" when you mention law guru. I offer reasonable rates and flexible payment plans.

DISCLAIMER: The answer above in response to your posting on law guru should not be construed as legal advice. It does not form an attorney-client relationship.

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Answered on 11/09/12, 8:59 am
Marshal Willick Willick Law Group

Ms. Alikhan's answer is correct, and on-point. Just a a few additional thoughts.

It should not be possible for there to be a child support order without an adjudication of paternity -- which SHOULD have produced an alteration of the birth certificate. Of course, the bureaucracy might have screwed up, but my guess is that there has been a formal adjudication of paternity.

Probably the simplest thing to do -- IF your husband wants to take full responsibility for the child going forward -- is to file a formal Termination of Parental Rights (as to the natural father) and Petition for Adoption (as to your current husband).

You should also consider pursuing the "3 or 4 years" of back child support -- which accrue mandatory interest and penalties, all payable to you.

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Answered on 11/10/12, 6:16 pm


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