[MO] [MO] Do I have to notify the noncustodial parent before changing my child’s name?
In Missouri, if one parent has 100% physical and legal custody of a minor child, do they need to notify the other parent if the child wants to change their name?
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Notification is required. If the other parent won’t consent, you can still seek a court-ordered name change. Given the long lack of contact, a judge will likely find the change in the child’s best interests (819 S.W.2d 749 (Mo. App. 1991)).
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In Missouri, if one parent has 100% physical and legal custody of a minor child, do they need to notify the other parent if the child wants to change their name?
Lexi, Chatbot
Has a court order specified the custody arrangement?
Yes. The decree awards the mother 100% physical and legal custody.
Lexi, Chatbot
Are both parents listed on the child’s birth certificate?
Yes. Father has had zero contact with the child in over ten years.
Lexi, Chatbot
Thanks. In Missouri, even with sole legal and physical custody, the other parent typically retains rights regarding a minor’s name change. You usually must notify the other parent (unless parental rights were terminated). If there’s no consent, you can petition the court; the judge will decide based on the child’s best interests.
To be clear, the child wants to change his last name only.
Lexi, Chatbot
Understood. A last-name change is treated the same. Consent from both parents is typically required; otherwise, file a petition and show it’s in the child’s best interests (e.g., child’s preference, lack of relationship, wellbeing).
Yes.
Robert L
Notification is required. If the other parent won’t consent, you can still seek a court-ordered name change. Given the long lack of contact, a judge will likely find the change in the child’s best interests (819 S.W.2d 749 (Mo. App. 1991)).
Robert L
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