Minor Surname Change Help

I need step-by-step legal support to change my 15-year-old child’s last name to mine. The father listed on the birth certificate has been completely out of the picture for a decade, and his current whereabouts are unknown. I have no court orders, letters, or other paperwork that documents his absence, nor is it possible to reach him or any relatives for written consent. Here is what I’m hoping you can handle: • Drafting a complete petition for a minor name change that explains the circumstances and cites the proper statutes for service by publication or any other alternative service allowed when a parent cannot be located. • Preparing all accompanying forms—affidavits of diligent search, proposed order, publication notice, and any required minor-consent statements—in a format ready for filing in my jurisdiction. • Guiding me on where and how to file, expected filing fees, deadlines for newspaper publication, and tips for the final hearing so nothing gets rejected or delayed. You’ll need experience with minor name-change procedures, especially cases that proceed without the non-custodial parent’s consent. Familiarity with local court templates, service-by-publication rules, and clear, concise drafting are the key skills I’m looking for. Once I receive court-ready documents and filing instructions that meet the clerk’s formatting rules, the project is complete.