Will the court allow me to change my child's last name to mine, from the father's last name, since her father isn't a major part of our daughter's life?

Changing a minor child's last name is governed by the "best interests of the child" standard in most states. Factors which are normally important include:

    The effect the name change would have on the child
    The effect of the change on the preservation and development of the child's relationship with each parent
    The identification of the child as part of a family unit
    The length of time the child has used a particular name
    The child's preference if the child is old enough to understand
    Whether the child's last name is different from the last name of the child's residential parent
    The embarrassment, discomfort or inconvenience that may result when a child bears a last name different from the residential parent's
    Parental failure to maintain contact and support of the child
    Any other factor relevant to the child's best interest

Tags: effect identification length preference