I want my children to have my last name. Their father has never paid child support and lives states away.

I gave birth two my twin boys in Memphis TN. I currently live in South Carolina. I have never been married but in the hospital, I gave my boys their fathers last name (regretting it only moments later). I filed, but never received child support. Their father lives somewhere in Mississippi. I read somewhere online, if I never received any $... and he has not seen the children in 6+ months... I can file for abandonment.... therefore, being able to cancel his rights and then switch their last name over to mine. Please help. I really want them to have my last name before they reach elementary school. They just turned 3 in March. They are also in the "autistic range" so I am constantly having to go to appointments and it is just confusing due to the fact that (1) they are twins and (2) my last name is different. I am a single mother, my family is in VA. I really, really need any help I can get. Thanks in advance!!