When Both Parents Agree to the Name Change (or one parent is deceased or has no legal rights)
When both parents agree to change a child's name, the parents can file papers to have a judge legally change the child's name. Only one parent's consent is needed under certain limited circumstances. Read on for more information about how to have a child's name changed when both parents are in agreement and when the other parent's consent is not needed.
If One Parent Will Not Agree to a Name Change
If one parent will not agree to have a child's name changed, the other parent can file papers to have a judge legally change the child's name. The non-consenting parent must be served with copies of the name change papers and given a chance to object. A judge may or may not grant a child's name change without the other parent's consent. Read on for more information about how to petition for a child's name change when only one parent is asking for the name change.
