Dear Valued Users,
It's with a heavy heart that we announce the permanent closure of StepTalk.org on August 31st, 2025.
This decision wasn't an easy one. For over twenty years, StepTalk has been a source of support for stepparents around the world! However, over the years, the costs associated with maintaining and upgrading the site to remain secure, meet current standards and maintain availability have become unsustainable.
We are incredibly grateful for your support, contributions and the community you've helped us build. Your engagement has made StepTalk.org a special place and we cherish the memories and connections made here.
We would especially like to thank Aniki for volunteering to be a moderator and for caring so much.
Thank you for being a part of our journey and we wish you all the best.
Sincerely,
Dawn and The StepTalk Team
Comments
If the boy is an adult then
If the boy is an adult then there is no need for you to have contact with BM and no need for you to discuss it with her. If he is a minor then unless his dad has full legal custody and agrees with the name change he will have to convince his parents to allow him to do it. Personally I would tell him to wait until he was 18 and even then to think it through very carefully first as he risks upsetting half of his family.
When they found out DH was
When they found out DH was SS's father BM told DH she didn't want SS's last name changed because they had no one to carry the family last name (even though she has a brother). She then changed her mind and told DH if they changed it then he would have the pay the arrears but if SS kept her last name she would make sure he wouldn't have to pay the arrears. Especially since DH petitioned the courts to get a DNA test done for SS because he wanted to know if he was his child even though BM said he wasn't because she had been cheating with a few guys. Well that didn't happen DH was paying arrears and SS has his moms last name. I guess that is irrelevant now because all child support and arrears have been stopped because DH has custody of SS now.
I'm thinking if she won't
I'm thinking if she won't cooperate then he can just wait until he's 18
I have a friend who going
I have a friend who going through this with her 4 year old. She is trying to his last name changed because he last name he has is not his bio dads it's her ex boyfriends and she wants it changed hers. The courts told her it won't be to difficult for her since his biodad isn't in the picture and never has been. My friend said he joined the army and disappeared and she's fine with that.
If it goes to court and the
If it goes to court and the bio father wants his kid's name changed to his last name, the courts will usually rule in favor of the name change. My sister was forced to change my niece's last name.