Name Change FAQs

How is a name change different for a minor vs. adult?

While adults are legally allowed to proceed with a name change on their own, a minor must rely on adult individuals to drive the process. Usually, a minor's natural parents are responsible for filling out the name change petition and overseeing the name change process when a minor is involved. If only one parent is involved, the consent of the other parent may also be required. There are many instances in which a natural parent may be imprisoned, lives in another state or country or cannot be located at all. In these types of situation, legal custody and parental notice are very important. It's incumbent on the court to make name change determinations based on the best interests of the applying minor.