question about name change for kids

[organicpapayamama]

Does stbx have to consent to a name change for our kids? He has never met ds and will not have anything to do with dd on the way (long story there). I have sole custody (legal and physical) and he has no visitation. He is still obviously the father weather he likes it or not. I know he will consent to it but I honestly dont want to depend on him to make it happen nor do I want him to know what the new last name will be. So is there a way to just do it without his knowledge or consent? He really couldnt care less.

[the_lissa]

How is he only your soon to be ex if he has never met your child and wants nothing to do with your next child? How did you conceive this baby with a man who hadn't met your first child? I'm confused.

[veganone]

The lissa beat me to it - I'm confused too. I also don't understand why you'd have to change the name of a baby that isn't born yet? She doesn't legally have a name yet.

[organicpapayamama]

It's a very long and complicated story I'd rather not get into. (not only because it's a novel to type but I just don't want to be judged)I just want to know if I need his consent

as for soon to be dd. I am going to give her the same last name we all have. I still have stbx last name so does ds and I plan do give the same to dd. He is my stbx because our divorce isn't final. Anyway, this name change won't be for some time but I want to know for when the time comes for mamas that have btdt.

[the_lissa]

I don't know about the consent, but I would give your dd the name you intend to have.

[mtiger]

Yes, you either need Dad's consent or a court order to change the child's name. You can name the unborn child anything you choose, at birth. After that, you will again either need Dad's consent or a court order to change the child's name.

[cycle]

If your divorce isn't final you can put it in your divorce agreement that your name is legally changed and so is your child's at the time the divorce is final. It would save you a lot of paperwork later.

[organicpapayamama]

thanks everyone. As mentioned the name change is something I will probably do WAY in the future. Like more than 5 years from now. maybe longer. I was just thinking about it now though. So I dont know what I would want to change it to then, a lot of it is circumstantial. but thanks!