Rowland v. Shurbutt

This is the appeal of an order granting a natural father’s petition to change the surname of his minor child. The central issue is whether the evidence is sufficient to support the trial court’s ruling.

The facts, considered during a March 1998 hearing, are not disputed. The only testimonial evidence presented was the deposition of a psychiatrist, who had been employed by the father.

The child, a male, was bom in Norfolk on September 3, 1991. His mother, residing in Chesapeake, is appellant Linda Grant Rowland. His father, residing in Virginia Beach, is appellee Edward David Shurbutt.

*307When the…