There are many situations that allow a child to change his or her last name. To change a child's name, the parents or legal guardians must file a petition with the court. Generally, the parents will need to issue their written consent before a court will grant a change of surname.
Adoption
After an adoption, parents may change the child's last name to the adoptive family's surname.
Step-Parents
When a step-parent adopts his partner's child, the child may change her surname to reflect the new parent's last name.
Paternity
If the identity of a child's father is unknown at birth and the court later determines his or her paternity, the child may take the father's surname.
Divorce
Although it is rare, courts may choose to change a child's last name to the mother's maiden surname after a divorce.
Parental Name Change
If one of both parents legally change their last name, a child may change his or her surname name to that of the parents.