How to Change a Minor's Name in Wisconsin

Name changes for a minor in Wisconsin must go through the circuit court

If you are the parent or legal guardian of a minor who is a Wisconsin resident, you can change that minor's name fairly easily. The process involves filling out various forms, publishing legal notices in your community's newspaper, and filing certified copies of your Order of Name Change with your state's vital records office. Various fees may be charged at points along the way. The only exception to this rule is that newborns may have their name changed without need for this process for up to one calendar year (365 days) after birth.

Instructions

1. Obtain the required forms to perform a name change for the minor. These include a Petition for a Change of Name, Notice and Order for Name Change Hearing, Order for Change of Name, Response of Non-Petitioning Parent to Change Name of Minor Child Under 14, and Affidavit of Attempted Service on Non-Petitioning Parent. They are available via Wisconsin Court System: Name Change, and must be printed on in blue or black ink only.

2. Sign the Petition for a Change of Name in front of a notary public and have it notarized. Then make two copies of it.

3. File all required forms with your county's clerk of the circuit court. This includes both copies of the Petition for a Change of Name. You will be assessed a fee. Check with the circuit clerk's office to find the most current fee information.

4. Publish a third-class notice in a newspaper that has the authority to print legal notices for your community. Your Notice of Hearing and Order for Hearing must be published once a week for three consecutive weeks before the scheduled date of your hearing. You will be charged a fee, and after the publication run is complete, the newspaper will send you a Proof of Publication affidavit.

5. Attend your hearing at the appointed time with your Proof of Publication affidavit in hand. If your petition is granted, the judge will sign the Order for Name Change. Your file will then be returned to you so that you can purchase certified copies of it to file with your vital records office, the Register of Deeds Office, and in your own records.

Tips & Warnings

• Only certain people are authorized to file legal documents on behalf of a minor. Such persons include parents, guardians, and legal custodians. Unmarried mothers can act alone provided that paternity has not been legally established. A single parent may also file such a petition if the other parent cannot be located and served notice.

References

• Wisconsin Court System: Name Change