Want to change my child's last name

It sounds like it should be easy enough to change your child's name, but since the father's parental rights have not been terminated, he still has the right to object to the name change.  If you can get his consent, then it will be a simple matter, but otherwise it will require a court hearing to prove that it is in the child's best interest. This answer is given in accordance with the laws of Virginia and may not be applicable in any other state.  It should not be construed as legal advice, as that would require a more thorough analysis of all of the facts involved in a specific case.  If you need further information or assistance, please feel free to contact my office for a consultation. Case results depend upon a variety of factors unique to each case. Case results do not guarantee or predict a similar result in any future case.