My three daughters ages 14,14 & 13 have a very estranged relationship with their dad, they see him maybe twice a year, if that and have had many unpleasant memories due to his explosive short temper. They recently expressed their wishes to him. They expressed being bullied because of this very long (15 letters) last name, they expressed not identifying to the name, they expressed not being close to him at all and how it is important to them to have MY last name. (I am not re-married, this is my maiden name) I have sole legal & physical custody of them. Would the courts really deny my daughters wish to change their last name because their not-present, uninvolved father objects to it??
I’m really not sure if they would deny it or not, but I would still try if that’s what their wishes are. In this situation there’s really no need for them to have it since they aren’t close and don’t want it. It’s normal for them to want to be associated with the people who actual love them and have cared for them. I would tell him to get over it, & take them to change their name.