Obtaining a legal name change in court does not automatically change the name on your birth record. Their new name has to consist of one surname and one or more other names. Her reasoning is that Hussein is a very important name to Muslims and that by renouncing his Muslim Heritage he should change his name so as to not give credence to their beliefs. When a stepparent adopts a child, courts take a similar approach. Terminating Visitation Due to Incarceration, How to Change a Baby's Last Name in Tennessee, Northwestern Legal Services: Name Change in Pennsylvania for Minor Children, Florida Bar Journal: Determining the Best Interest of the Child: The Resolution of Name Disputes in Paternity Actions, Nina E. Kallen: Oral Arguments: Tips and a Tale, Rhode Island Divorce, Child Custody & Family Law Info Center: RI Paternity and Custody: Name Change of Child, Marital Litigation in South Carolina: Roy T. Stuckey. Regardless, her name change was motivated by simplification. Although … The name change process varies from state to state. But he did add to it. When a family adopts a child, changing the child's last name to match that of the family just makes sense. Note for residents of Allegheny or Lancaster Counties: Our documents are designed to meet state requirements for requesting a name change. What you can change your child’s name to. How to change your child's name. Parent's Consent to Child's Name Change (pdf fillable) A child age 14 or older must consent to their own name change. Jupiterimages/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images. If a child is adopted, an adoptive parent will probably want to change the child's name to his/her own family name. Consult with the child's other parent. For each child 12 to 18 years of age A letter handwritten in ink by your child(ren) providing his/her reasons for wanting a change of name. While courts will consider the wishes of a child who is of the age and maturity to establish a legitimate preference, many judges give the wishes of the parents more weight. The key to making an argument to change a child’s name is to present the legal reasons for the change and show a judge that it is in the best interests of the child. The key to making an argument to change a child’s name is to present the legal reasons for the change and show a judge that it is in the best interests of the child. Parents should consult a legal professional in their state for information on changing the name of a minor child after birth. For example, the child has been known by the given name for a significant period of time and not changing the child's registered … To add to his cruelty, he told her that their first child (me) had been named by him after this other woman. Dislike Current Name. Make sure you register the new name and get a new birth certificate. Parents want the child to identify as a part of the new family. In a divorce petition, when a women requests to return to her maiden name, she can request a separate petition to request her child's name change too. If changing a child’s name would cause a break in a parent-child relationship, courts tend to rule against the change. Jessica Peterson/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images, Absent Father Returns to the Child's Life, 6 Common Questions about Child Custody and Visitation. For example, a name change may be granted where a parent has committed a notorious crime in the community and the child suffers harassment because of bearing his or her parents' surname. See “How Do I get a Court Ordered Name Change for a Minor”, below. Some courts might appoint a guardian ad litem, who is a lawyer or trained volunteer who represents the child, and judges will give weight to this person's opinion. If you have religious, philosophical or cultural reasons to have only one name, you need to include a letter of explanation with your application. The fact that a child is known to schools and doctors by a certain name could contribute to a decision to keep that name. It might be in the child's best interests to change his or her name. There are various reasons for requesting a name change. A parent may prefer to change a child's name sometime after the birth certificate and records have been filed. In a closed or open adoption, the child enters the home bearing the last name of either their birth mother or birth father. The easiest way to convince a judge is to point to the factors put forth in state laws that support the request. It may be based on events such as divorce, or it may simply be based on dissatisfaction with the name. If any of the children are 14 or older, each child must complete a consent. One parent can apply alone if: they are the only parent named on the child’s birth certificate or; the other parent is deceased or; a court has specifically approved the new name for the child. A judge would give strong consideration to this request, as the court's main concern is the best interests of the child. The easiest way to convince a judge is to point to the factors put forth in state laws that support the request. The general consensus is that a child should have the same name as the family he lives with. However, most modern courts consider a specific list of factors in determining what is best for the child, as opposed to the parents, when ruling on name changes. The mother petitioned the Supreme Court for permission to change the child’s surname by hyphenating the father’s surname with the mother’s surname. She was an editor at daily newspapers for 20 years and now works as a paralegal. For example it might be difficult to convince a judge to change the name of a 15-year-old unless his best interest clearly would be served by the change. The length of time a child has used a certain name also factors into his identity within the community. Legally change your child's name before they turn 18 in person by booking an interview appointment or by post. Most states and judges require that both parents agree before they will change a child's name. Have changed the name of your child(ren) before All original Canadian change of name certificates. To argue in favor of a name change, you must show that the change will preserve the family unit. Copyright 2021 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. For example, if a child is known by the surname of a father who has been convicted of serious crimes, the argument can be made that the child would be better off using another name. I’d thought about it for a long time, having always disliked my given name. You must clearly present reasons to the court in a written petition, oral arguments or both. Each child 12-18 must also sign in Part 2A - Child's Consent. Psychologists or other experts can also be used to bolster your argument. You must clearly present reasons to the court in a written petition, oral arguments or both. In general, however, any lawful reason that does not violate any state laws or infringe upon the rights of anyone else typically satisfies most courts, whether that reason be for religious, personal or social reasons. The standard most courts apply when making decisions about changing a child’s name is that the change should be in the best interests of the child. Historically, paternity was usually the deciding factor: The child used the father's surname. 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