Legal Question in Family Law in Tennessee

Child name change

I have been divorced since May 1996,I have full and sole custody of our child. I moved out of state October 1996, My Ex has had my address since then,has not made any attempt to see our son,has been paying child support for the last 6 months finally and didn't call him in the last 3 years.I remarried in 1998 and my husband has been raising my son for the past 6 years,He wants to adopt him,but My ex won't agree.Can My son(who is 9) legally choose to change his name?


Asked on 9/03/03, 1:14 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Misty D. Becker Rikard & Dobson, P.L.L.C

Re: Child name change

Usually, No. There must be an incredibly compelling reason to change your son's name. Given the facts of your situation, I do not see any of those reason here. Unless the father gives up his parental rights, the child must keep his last name.

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Answered on 9/04/03, 9:47 am


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