Child's Consent to Child's Name Change (pdf) Child's Consent to Child's Name Change (pdf fillable) Order for Child's Name Change - required. It might be in the child's best interests to change his or her name. It is important to recognize that after a name change, you are still the same person. In that case, the father proved that it would not be in the child’s best interests to have a complete change of last name. However, if there is no concrete reason to change the child's name, besides animosity, there's a strong chance that a judge would not grant this type of minor name change request. 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, 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. Note a change of name in a birth or adoption register . Your birthdate and place of birth. Their new name has to consist of one surname and one or more other names. Historically, paternity was usually the deciding factor: The child used the father's surname. The fact that a child is known to schools and doctors by a certain name could contribute to a decision to keep that name. A judge would give strong consideration to this request, as the court's main concern is the best interests of the child. Stevens holds degrees in journalism and paralegal studies. Deciding on a name Most names can be registered but not all. The length of time a child has used a certain name also factors into his identity within the community. Regardless, her name change was motivated by simplification. Debrina Washington is a New York-based family law attorney and writer, who runs her own virtual practice to assist single parents with legal issues. That process can only be done through the Changes Unit in the State Vital Records office. To register a change of name for your child (under 18 years) both parents must complete the application. 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. My Brother in Law did not change his name, per se, when he became a citizen. How do I change my name by court order? Often if one of the child’s parents is absent from the child’s life, the child will not have a strong connection to the name and hence, the child may request a name change of his/her own accord.   A judge would decide whether or not to grant a child’s request. See “How Do I get a Court Ordered Name Change for a Minor”, below. The most common reasons for name changes include marriage or divorce. Changing your child's name is a significant personal choice for you and your child. Safety and protection concerns might justify a change of a child's name. In general, common law jurisdictions have loose procedures for a name change while civil law jurisdictions are more restrictive. As a result, the father might request a name change for the child, who might have the mother's maiden name or another last name of the mother's choosing. The procedures and ease of a name change vary between jurisdictions. Valerie Stevens is a professional writer and editor based in the Carolinas. Name change generally refers to the legal act by a person of adopting a new name different from their current name.. The court can authorize a change of name for a child in the case of abandonment by the father or mother, in the case of deprivation of parental authority or in the case of a change of filiation, for example by adoption. Parents want the child to identify as a part of the new family. 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. 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