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My 6 yr old daughter wants her last name changed.?

I got married in March and my husband is taking care of my daughter from prev. relationship. Her biological father isn't around much. He calls 2-3 times a month, no child support, doesn't see her. My daughter doesn't want to see him (her decision) I don't bad mouth her father. Recently she has been asking to have her last name changed to mine and her step dad's last name. I tried to explain what would happen if she did and she says that she still wants her name changed. I really think she is too young to make this kind of decision, but she acts like she really, really wants it. I don't know what to do, I know her father isn't going to just roll over, he'll fight me on this. My husband is the only father figure in her life and he supports us and he wants to legally adopt her. So my question is, is my daughter too young to decide? And if I do this, how do I go about telling her father?

9 Answers

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  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    it sounds like although she is only six she is making a very adult decision. if she wants to recognize your husband as her father and he is the only prominent fatherly figure in her life then she is justified to do so. although it will make your ex angry obviously he should understand her decision as he is doing nothing in her life. good luck and God be with you

  • 1 decade ago

    A friend of mine changed her 7 year old son's name to her husband's last name. The procedure to do this was the birth father gave up his parental rights and her husband adopted him. Your daughter is too young to make that kind of decision, but she's smart and appears to know what's going on. If you decided to change your daughter last name, her father will have to give up his parental rights and so forth as I mentioned earlier. You may have to tell your daughter she will have to change her name when she's older (teens or legally grown) if the father is not willing to give up his rights at this time. Good Luck.

  • 1 decade ago

    Kind of sad that someone so young even has to think of something like that and yes, 6 years old is probably too young to make a decision like that. BUT, it sounds like she is very bright and has given this a lot of thought. Sounds to me that she just wants to feel like she is "officially" part of a family, real important for kids to feel that way. It's really good that you are not bad mouthing her father, and good also that your husband wants to legally adopt her. Good luck to all of you.

  • 1 decade ago

    My mom got married when I was about 11/2 yrs. I really didn't spend time with my biological father though I did spend time with my grandparents. My mom didn't legally change my last name but I am known by "fathers last name"(not biological) I spend more time with my biological now(I am almost 13) but if any one asks me he isn't who I'd name as my "dad" unless it were a technical matter(going based on my birth certificate) now that my mom divorced that man and got remarried(A WEEK AGO!!!!!!) I still go by that name. I suggest you do what you think is best for your daughter now that i am older i am thinking of legally changing my name.

    P.S.- My mother hasn't had a lot of men, she had me when she was 19 didn't marry my biological father, got married and had my brother around 20, was married for about 7 yrs., got divorce, was divorced for about 5 yrs., and just recently got remarried.

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  • mairn
    Lv 4
    5 years ago

    Sorry to assert yet bio dad has a brilliant style of rights. He could would desire to sign to have her final call replaced. There somewhat isn't an way of having around the visits. Technically he's her father and has the the final option to spend time together with her no count what she or you thinks approximately it. till he's in some way abusing or neglecting her she has to bypass or confident you would be held in contempt. She would not have a decision approximately visits she in basic terms could get to %. which abode she lives in finished time.

  • 1 decade ago

    At 6 years of age it is not her decision to make.

    Source(s): 51 years life experience
  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    Six years old huh? She must be very bright seeing how she wants her last name changed. I think she should, why hold on to someone who's never there?

  • KathyS
    Lv 7
    1 decade ago

    I don't think you can legally do that unless her birthfather gives up parental rights and your new husband adopts her.

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    she is to young

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