How to Change Your Name Back After Being Adopted in North Carolina

Resuming the name used before an adoption usually can be done outside of a courtroom in North Carolina.

Changing the last name of a child during an adoption is a normal procedure. Usually, the child legally assumes the last name of the adoptive family. In a few cases, and for various reasons, the adopted child seeks to resume the name he used before the adoption. The State of North Carolina has laws on resuming a previous name. However, adoptive children are not covered under the this law, which is reserved for divorced or widowed women. Instead, the state considers resuming a name that was used prior to an adoption a special circumstance that requires special proceedings.

Things You'll Need

• Official copy of your birth certificate

Instructions

1. Go to your county courthouse for the forms needed to change your name. Ask the court clerk for special proceedings name change forms.

2. Present birth certificate to the court clerk for verification. Fill out the forms and submit them to the county clerk in the North Carolina county you reside in. The clerk will require basic information such as your name, birth date, birth name, and similar vital information about your birth parents if you have it.

3. Fill out a notice of the name change. Include a narrative detailing the reason for the name change and the intent to go through with the change. Post the notice in the county courthouse, on the main bulletin board for 10 days. Some counties may require you to take out a small newspaper ad in the public notices.

4. Ask two citizens of the county, who know you, to write out character references; have the references notarized and file them with the county clerk. The court clerk will consider these statements in deciding whether to grant or deny your name change request.

5. Obtain and submit a fingerprint criminal history from the county sheriff's department. The county clerk will give you details on accomplishing this step. It is necessary to ensure that no identity fraud schemes are occurring.

6. Wait for the clerk to rule on the change. You will receive a certified letter and/or call with the decision.

Tips & Warnings

• The court clerk must find your reason for requesting the change compelling enough to approve the request. Make your narrative honest and complete. Explain with as much relevant detail as possible.

• The background check will cost a fee. Contact your county's clerk for the exact costs.

• A statement of good character isn't needed for minors under the age of 16.

• Minors age 16 and 17 years old do not need the post the notice for 10 days.

References

• Name Change Law; North Carolina Name Change Law
• Wake County Clerk of the Court; Special Proceedings Division Name Change