Legal Question in Family Law in Virginia

If you're attempting to do this name change pro se(representing yourself and

without an attorney), you should first see if you can pick up a packet of forms

with instructions from your local circuit court clerk's office (or that are downloadable from the court's website) entitled "Name Change For a Minor Child".

These instructions will explain the procedures which must be followed to

properly effect this name change, including the requirement that you must

make a reasonably diligent effort to notify the father of the child of your action

and his right to contest it at a scheduled hearing in the circuit court, and should also answer any other questions you may have regarding the matter.