change of last name

[jj]

After marriage, and wife takes your last name , is it customary for her children (or child) who came with her , to take your last name? What have been your experiences?  Sorry if seems like dumb question, but am not sure of the usual procedure with foreign wife. -jj

[William3rd]

name change of a step-child will require an adoption and, trust me, you do not want to go there. . . .

[catzenmouse]

William,

 Can you not just petition to change the child's last name to match the mother?

 I've heard quite a few negative things about adoption in the past but not from a legal perspective. Would you mind elaborating on your thinking?

Ken

[William3rd]

for a child under age? Any change in name requires the same permission/custody orders involving the non-custodial parent as the child's departure and is usually done during an adoption.

Adult children can do so via the petition process for name changes.

[William3rd]

Ken- you piqued my curiosity so I did a little research.

Name change of minor step child- Depends on the laws of the state. There is a requirement that there be notice and opportunity to be heard by the non-custodial parent. All states will look at what it considers to be in the best interests of the child. Separate actions for name change can not be brought if there are existing custody/visitation/support orders in another court.

The non custodial parent RETAINS his legal rights unless there is an adoption.

This is general information only and I didnt look to see if the laws of outer Slobovia allow no-notice name changes

[catzenmouse]

Thanks William! I'll have to dig in a little bit more locally about the name change.

And we live in West Outer Slobovia! Thank you very much! We don't like those Outer Slobovians from the other side of the tracks...

Ken

[William3rd]

 

[jj]

So, if child is 20 years old, does she need permission of the astranged russian father who has given up his rights, as mother is listed as single, no support, no visits, etc.?
Do those who are married  here on RWD have her children, and did they keep their own last name?

[William3rd]

You brought up several scenarios and not just one.

The big issue is DON'T ADOPT!!!!

20 year old- no consent, child brings own petition for name change.
Father not on birth certificate- under the laws of the state for what is in the best interests of the child.
Father giving up rights- depends on what rights he gave up and then see what the laws of your state say as to notice.

[BC]

Do those who are married  here on RWD have her children, and did they keep their own last name?

We looked into adoption but it was too much hassle and too much time involved.  Will just do a name change in RU when our daughter renews her passport.  I believe this is possible at 14 but not really sure.

[catzenmouse]

The more I look into this the more questions I have.

 Would we be better off trying to change Sergei's name now and then file for his 10yr GC with the new name?

 Would we wait until after we get the 10 yr GC so that we don't confuse the poor USCIS folks and cause unnecessary stress upon them (and more importantly upon ourselves)

 Would we just continue to use our last name for him in every way except for situations where they require official identification (like registering for school)

 Should we all change our names to Benitez and say we are lettuce pickers from El Salvadore and wait for amnesty.

 Better still - change our names to Scooter Libby and claim that we already have amnesty!

 This has got me feeling like a three headed chicken... I just don't know which way to point my pecker...

Ken

[BC]

 This has got me feeling like a three headed chicken... I just don't know which way to point my pecker...

Well lookie daer.. young man gets a dang good deal follerin his yardstick an' now he's a gonna complain bout it!

 

[jj]

I figure she will meet AM anyway in few years, and get new last  name   Not too worry, I stated on another thread , I will not adopt at that age.  She will do just well with her present last name.  Thanks for all input. 

Now Ken, remember only roosters have peckers.