How Can I Do a Name Change for a Child Through Paternity?

A paternity name change alters the child's birth records.

If you've gotten married after the birth of a child or want to have the child renamed based on paternity for whatever reason, you'll need to go through the courts to get a name changed. Once you have voluntary acknowledgement from the father or after you have established paternity in any other way, you can start the process for getting the necessary permissions for a name change.

Instructions

1. Send a written request to your state's "Department of Health" -- or whatever your state's equivalent is -- that asks for the child's name to be changed, shows exactly how you wish the child's name to appear on the new birth record and includes a copy of the paternity establishment document.

2. Include a check for the fee when you mail it. The fee will vary by state, so contact your state to find out the charge.

3. Sign the affidavit, notarize it when you receive it from the state and get the other parent to sign and notarize it as well. If you established paternity through testing, get documentation demonstrating the paternity of the child from the testing center. If you did it through the courts, ask the court for a "Determination of Paternity" or a document similar to that.

4. Send documentation back to the state to complete the name change.

References

• Illinois Department of Public Health: Birth Records: Frequently Asked Questions: How Do You Change the Child's Name on the Birth Certificate?
• Ohio Paternity Enhancement Program: Frequently Asked Questions: We Want to Change the Child's Name - How Can We Do That?
• Legal Information for Families Today: Changing Your Name or the Name of Your Child in Court