How to Change the Name of a Minor in Spokane County
Washington state allows the name change of a minor when it is in the best interests of the child. Parents must file a petition requesting the name change with the Superior Court of the county of residence. If both parents do not agree on the name change, the non-consenting parent must be notified of the request and provided the opportunity to appear at the hearing. The child's birth certificate can be amended through the Vital Records office in the state of birth once a court order is acquired. Residents of Spokane County can obtain the appropriate forms online or through the Spokane County Bar Association.
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Instructions
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Download and print the required forms through the Spokane County Superior Court website or purchase the forms -- 50 cents per page as of publication -- through the county Bar Association on the fourth floor annex.
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Complete a petition and order for changing the name of a minor. Provide the minor's current and proposed name. Indicate the reason a name change is requested. Sign the petition and obtain the signature of the other parent, as well as the child if he is older than 14 years.
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Complete a summons and a notice of hearing if the other parent is unwilling or unavailable to sign the petition.
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Make a copy of the documents for your records, as well as an additional copy if the other parent does not sign the petition.
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File the completed forms at room 300 on the third floor of the courthouse during business hours. Pay the filing fee -- $230 as of the time of publication -- at the cashier's window. Retain the stamped copies.
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Take the order, as well as the notice and summons if applicable, to room 304. The Court Commissioner will officially sign the order for changing the name of a minor child if both parents agree to the name change.
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Obtain a hearing date from the Court Commissioner if only one parent signed the petition.
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Serve the other parent with a copy of the petition, summons and notice of hearing at least 20 days prior to the scheduled hearing. The documents must be served by a third party.
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Have the person who served the papers complete a return of service form. Make a copy and file the original with the clerk of the Superior Court.
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Attend the scheduled hearing at the courthouse. Bring a copy of all filed documents, as well as identification for yourself and the minor's birth certificate.
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Tips & Warnings
If you are unable to locate the other parent for service, advise the Court Commissioner. Service may be completed by publication. Additional forms are required.
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