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Change your child's name with confidence using our court-approved petition. Perfect for adoption, family alignment, or personal reasons. Download instantly in Word format and file with your county court—no attorney needed. Includes petition, verification, parental consent forms, and court order templates. Just $9.99, trusted since 1995.
Select your state below to get started.
Changing your own name (adult)? Visit our Adult Name Change Petition page for court-approved forms designed for adults 18 and over.
Changing your child's name is a significant decision that requires a precise, court-approved process. Our Petition for Change of Name of Minor ensures you meet all legal requirements while prioritizing your child's best interests. Tailored for parents and guardians, this form simplifies filing in any U.S. county court with clear instructions and full compliance.
Formatted to meet state-specific requirements, including parental consent and notice provisions, ensuring your petition is accepted by the court.
Crafted by legal experts to include all necessary declarations, such as guardianship details and the child's best interest, reducing the risk of rejection.
Supports name changes due to adoption, divorce, cultural preferences, or correcting records, meeting judicial standards for any lawful purpose.
Includes the petition, verification, notice of publication, and proposed court order, so you're fully prepared for court submission without extra drafting.
Just a one-time $9.99 purchase—far less than attorney fees—with instant Word download for easy completion, typed or handwritten.
No online data entry required; download and complete at your convenience, keeping your family's information confidential.
This form empowers you to navigate the name change process with confidence, ensuring your child's new name is legally recognized. Select your state above to download your form instantly.
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Submit to your county court
This legal document, filed by a parent or guardian, requests court approval to change a child's name. Once signed by a judge, it allows updates to the child's birth certificate, Social Security records, and other identification.
Any parent or legal guardian can file in the county where they reside, provided the name change serves the child's best interests and meets state consent requirements.
Courts accept reasons like adoption, divorce, cultural or religious alignment, correcting records, or supporting a child's identity, as long as the change is lawful and not fraudulent.
In most states, yes, unless one parent has no legal rights or meets exemptions as defined by state law. The form includes notice templates for compliance.
Our attorney-reviewed form is just $9.99—a fraction of lawyer fees, which can exceed $1,000. Court filing fees vary by county, typically $100–$400.
No, this form is designed for pro se (self-represented) filings. However, consult an attorney for complex cases involving custody disputes or non-consenting parents.
Many states require publishing a notice in a local newspaper. Our form includes a "Notice of Petition" template to meet this requirement.
Typically 4–12 weeks, depending on court schedules, publication periods, and whether a hearing is required. Check your state's specific rules.
Not automatically. After court approval, submit the signed order to your state's vital records office to update the birth certificate.
Possibly, but you may need to prove the change is in the child's best interest. Courts may require notice or a hearing. Consult an attorney for contested cases.
"ILRG's form made changing my child's name after adoption simple!" – Emily, TX