name change of a minor. parent is not American and he lives in Southamerica

[maratonista]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? CO
i want to change my son's last name. he's 2. we moved to the US 6 months ago from southamerica. i've been trying to contact his biological father (was born and lives in southamerica) but nothing seems to work. emails bounce back and phone number has changed. i never met his family so i dont know who to ask for info. my husband (American) and i dont know what kind of evidence to show. dont know if the fact that we cant find the father in another continent is gonna be an issue. we were also thinking about adoption but we thought this would be a much more difficult process. i dont know if the abuse documents that i have from a court in SA are going to be useful here to prove that it is in the best interest of my son to have his name changed(the few weeks we lived together in southamerica -biological dad, 5 mo baby and i- he abused the baby physically and he was declared guilty as charged). please tell me what to do to change his name? or if adoption is gonna be more difficult? thanks.

 

[CSO286]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? CO
i want to change my son's last name. he's 2. we moved to the US 6 months ago from southamerica. i've been trying to contact his biological father (was born and lives in southamerica) but nothing seems to work. emails bounce back and phone number has changed. i never met his family so i dont know who to ask for info. my husband (American) and i dont know what kind of evidence to show. dont know if the fact that we cant find the father in another continent is gonna be an issue. we were also thinking about adoption but we thought this would be a much more difficult process. i dont know if the abuse documents that i have from a court in SA are going to be useful here to prove that it is in the best interest of my son to have his name changed(the few weeks we lived together in southamerica -biological dad, 5 mo baby and i- he abused the baby physically and he was declared guilty as charged). please tell me what to do to change his name? or if adoption is gonna be more difficult? thanks.

You need an attorney who is familiar with international family/adoption law to assist you.

Not a message board.

Trust me.

 

[Silverplum]

I agree with CSO. However, it won't hurt for you to review and acquaint yourself with the process of stepparent adoption in Colorado: http://www.courts.state.co.us/Forms/Forms_List.cfm?Form_Type_ID=87

 

[OHRoadwarrior]

All that said, a US court is not going to be running to grant a name change for a 2 year old because you went on to greener pastures. There must be a compelling reason, otherwise the child can wait until they are 18 and make the choice. The name was good enough when you were schtuupping his father.

 

[maratonista]

i never thought i was gonna get rude answers. anyways, i want to thank the decent members that gave me helpful answers or links and that use this forum to help people, not to make fun of them

 

[stealth2]

Why do you think it's okay to effectively erase your son's father from his life/heritage?

How long have you known your husband? How long have you been married? How/where did you meet him? (Yes, there are reasons for my questions.)