About one million children are affected by divorces in the U.S. every single year. Also, 25% of children in the U.S. are born out of wedlock. Its easy to see why many people want to change their childs last name. Not to long ago courts ruled that a father had a right to have his childs last name kept the same as his long as he continued to act as a parent to the child. Now-a-days courts usually weigh these facts: how long the childs had their fathers last name; how strong the relationship is with the mother and child and vice versa; and if the name change is necessary to be identified as part of the mothers or the fathers family. There has been cases where one of the parents doesnt show up in court, and therefore the judge will rule in the other parents favor. Sometimes the courts will rule what they feel is in the best interest of the child.

Some U.S. state courts have adopted simplified child name change forms, these forms can also be found in child name change kits on many sites where you can download printable legal forms, these sites are made for do-it-yourselfers and are usually inexpensive (under $15). States that have not created simplified forms will still allow you to file a formal name change case, but the forms will have to be obtained from a legal forms business.