Changing daughter's last name after wedding???

golden1215

Does anyone know if you can change your child's name for free when you marry? 

I am marrying my daughters father, if we decide to all go with a combo/hyphenated last name, can we change hers along with ours at the same time or do we have to pay for it...???  If so, how much does changing a child's name cost??

SarahPLiz

Edit: Nevermind. I missed the part about her already being his child.

You might want to ask this of the SS administration or a family attorney in your state.

duckie1905

For free?  No, I don't think you'll get it for free.  Depending on your state and what you need to change it isn't necessarily free to change your own name when you marry.

I know it isn't the same as your situation but I dropped my hypen last name when I was 18 and it was a total PITA.  I don't really see how the parents getting married would make this any easier to do for a child.  Changing a name without a marriage certificate can be very difficult.  The process for me, as an adult, took almost 3 months, countless forms, and lots of energy.  It included a petition and multiple trips to court.

Check with the SS adminstration, DMV, and your state/local government.  They'll probably have a better idea of what you need to do.

redheadfsu

Marriage/ Divorce is the easiest way to change a woman's name, but a man & the kid may have to petition the court to change their name by filing a petition. You must talk to a local attorney in your state. Every state is different.

crakd

yeah, it might be a bit of a process, but still easier than having to change your name on EVERYTHING like drivers license, credit cards, social security, etc etc etc.  how old is your daughter?

golden1215

Our daughter is 23 months- so about 2.5 when we'll be married.