Change stepson's last name? Get free advice!

Questioner

Dear Sir/Madam, I have a 12 year old stepson who would like to change his surname to my surname. His mother and father both have parental authority. However, his father has been living in Australia since early 2010 and has not been in touch for over a year. In the meantime, his mother and I have had 3 daughters who do bear my surname. We have been living together since 2006 and were married in April 2008. My question is whether it is possible for my stepson to have my surname without his father's permission? We do not even know his father's address in Australia. Thank you in advance for your answer, kind regards,

Lawyer

In principle, this is possible, even without the explicit consent of both parents. You will have to demonstrate that you have made every effort to reach the other parent. Please look here for more information under the heading: Exceptions to the main condition https://www.justis.nl/producten/naamsoverzicht/achternaam-wachtigen/achternaam-mindaagse-wachtigen/