Related Legal Issues

Related Legal Issues |

Name Change

Name Change of a Child

Title

I want to change my child's name.

This toolkit tells you how to change a child’s name. FORMS ARE INCLUDED.

For general information about changing a child’s name, read the Frequently Asked Questions.

If you want to ask a judge to legally change your child’s name, use the Instructions & Forms.

Use the first set of instructions if you and the other parent agree to file the request for name change together.

Use the second set of instructions if only one parent will file the request for name change.

Use the third set of instructions if only one parent will file the request for name change because the other parent is dead or the other parent’s parental rights were terminated.

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WARNING: The information and forms in this toolkit are not a substitute for the advice and help of a lawyer. It’s a good idea to talk with a lawyer about your particular situation.

Instructions & Forms

Instructions & Forms for Child Name Change - Both parents agree to file together

Instructions & Forms for Child Name Change - One parent filing - Other parent will be served

Instructions & Forms for Child Name Change - One parent filing - Other parent dead or rights terminated

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I legally change my child's name?

You must get a court order to legally change your child’s name. You can ask a judge to make a court order by filing a child name change case. Get instructions and do-it-yourself child name change forms here: I want to change my child’s name.

What if I just need to correct the spelling of my child's name on his or her birth certificate?

It is possible to make minor corrections to a child’s first or middle name without a court order. Read about birth certificate amendments and get the application here.

Who can file a child name change case?

A child name change case can be filed by the child’s parent, managing conservator or legal guardian.

Where do I file my child name change case?

File your child name change case at the district clerk’s office in the county where the child lives.

How much does it cost to file a child name change case?

Contact the district clerk’s office in the county where the child lives to learn the filing fee for your case. If you have a low-income, you can ask the Court to waive the filing fee by completing and filing a Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs. Learn more here: Court Fees and Fee Waivers.

Do I have to tell the other parent that I want to change our child’s name?

Yes. You must tell the other parent that you want to change your child’s name (unless the other parent’s parental rights have been terminated).

If the other parent agrees to the name change, you can file the request together.

If the other parent does not agree to the name change, you must have the other parent served with legal notice of the case by a constable, sheriff or private process server.

What if I am the only parent listed on our child’s birth certificate?

The other parent must get legal notice of your child name change case even if the other parent is not listed on your child’s birth certificate.

Q&A Bank for Name Change

Q&A Bank for Name Change of a Child