Leadingham ex rel. Smith v. Smith

OPINION

HUDDLESTON, Judge.

The ties of common names and kindred blood and the affection that flows from these strong ties has fueled the controversy before us.

Denise Leadingham, the mother of Lacey Danielle Smith, appeals a circuit court order that reversed a district court judgment that changed Lacey’s surname to Smith-Leadingham.

Lacey, a minor, was born of the marriage of Jeffrey S. Smith and Denise. When Lacey was two years old, the marriage was dissolved and Denise was granted custody of Lacey. Subsequently, Jeffrey, who was in the Navy, relocated to Alaska, California and Georgia.1 Denise…