How to Legally Change Names for Kids

In most states, you must appear in court to change a child's name.

Due to a divorce, an adoption or remarriage it may become necessary to change your child’s name. However, depending on the reason for the name change, and whether you have the other parent’s consent, a name change can be complicated. In addition, a court may not allow a parent to change a child’s name if the court believes the name change will have a negative impact on the other parent. Each state is responsible for establishing procedures for changing a child’s name, so it will vary by state.

Instructions

1. Contact an attorney in your state. If you cannot afford legal representation, contact the local courthouse in your county and speak with a clerk or an individual in the self-help center.

2. Complete a petition requesting the court to change the child’s name. The petition will ask you to provide the child’s name and the reason for the requested name change.

3. File the petition, in addition to any other required documents, at the local courthouse. Depending on the state, it may be necessary to submit a copy of the child’s birth certificate or the child’s identification. In addition, you will need to submit a filing fee with the petition.

4. Notify the other parent of your wish to change the child’s name. Depending on the state, the other parent may need to sign a consent form or petition to show the parent does not object to the name change. If the other parent does not consent to the name change, provide the parent with notice of the date and time of the scheduled hearing.

5. Appear in court for the hearing, if necessary. Some states allow you to request a child’s name change by mail depending on the reason for the change, while other states require the parent to attend a court hearing. If the other parent objects to the name change and appears in court to make the objection clear, the court may refuse to grant the child’s name change. However, the court will take into consideration whether the objecting parent has a relationship with the child and how much the parent is involved in the child’s life.

6. Serve on the other parent the order granting the name change and file with the court. The order is the court’s official approval of the requested name change.

References

• AZ Law Help: How to Change Your Name
• Legal Assistance of Western New York, Inc.: How to Change a Child’s Name in New York
• Michigan Courts: Name Change, Self Help