Form includes,

INSTRUCTIONS: PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME (Minor) DR62

This form is needs filed in the county where the minor resides.  Visit the following link for other forms required along with the Petition: https://www.courts.state.md.us/family/forms/namechange.html.  If the child is less than 1 year old, parents can usually change their name without a court order.

“Petition for Change of Name (Minor) DR62 Step 1”

The Petition is simple to fill out.  Sign the petition after its completion and complete the heading and first paragraph of the Notice for Publication.  Also, complete the Order for Change of Name and leave the space for the judge’s signature blank. 

“Petition for Change of Name (Minor) DR62 Step 2”

To make things easier, the petitioner should submit the Petition to the Circuit Clerk with signed consent forms from all parents, guardians, and custodians requiring Notice.  If a party is deceased, provide a death certificate with the Petition. 

“Petition for Change of Name (Minor) DR62 Step 3”

Attach a certified copy of the minor’s birth certificate to the Petition that state’s the child’s current name. 

“Petition for Change of Name (Minor) DR62 Step 4”

After paying the filing fees, you need to ask the Clerk about your county’s publication requirements.  Some counties leave the responsibility up to the petitioner, but other counties and courts arrange the publication. 

“Petition for Change of Name (Minor) DR62 Step 5”

If the petitioner did not receive consent from a parent, guardian, or custodian, the following forms need served to the party:

·  Petition for Change of Name

·  Notice

·  Order for Change of Name

·  Write of Summons

·  Attachments provided with the original forms

“Petition for Change of Name (Minor) DR62 Step 6”

If you are responsible for the publication of Notice, you need to pay the publication fees after an invoice is sent from the newspaper.  Either you or the Clerk will receive proof of the publication.  If the petitioner receives the proof, they need to submit this document with the clerk.

“Petition for Change of Name (Minor) DR62 Step 7”

After the Clerk receives proof of publication, the Petition is sent to the judge.  If any party has contested the change of name, a hearing will be scheduled.  If a hearing is requested, the petitioner needs to fill out Form DOM REL 59 and respond to the objection with 15 days. 

INSTRUCTIONS: DE CHANGE OF NAME PETITIONS SUSSEX COUNTY

The petitioner (and minor in applicable cases) must be a resident in the county where the petition is filed.  There is no statewide Petition for changing a name.  For specific instructions on changing the name of a minor, regard Attachment A of the packet. 

“DE Change of Name Petitions Sussex County Step 1”

The following forms are required along with the Petition:

·  Affidavit

·  Notice of Name Change for Publication

·  Questionnaire for Name Change of Minor Child (in appropriate cases)

·  Form Letter for Name Change of Minor (in appropriate cases)

Before filing the papers with the Court, the petitioner needs to file a Notice of Name changes with a local newspaper once a week for three weeks.  After the publications, the newspaper will provide an Affidavit of Publication. 

“DE Change of Name Petitions Sussex County Step 2”

Complete the Petition for Name Change and attach the Affidavit.  Have the forms notarized.  The Clerk will mail a copy of the Order after it is signed by the Judge or Commissioner.  If your address changes before the mailing of the Order, you need to notify the Clerk.

“DE Change of Name Petitions Sussex County Step 3”

Staple all of the following documents together and submit them to the Clerk:

·   Notarized Petition and Affidavit

·  Affidavit of Publication

·  Certified copy of birth certificate

You’ll need to pay a filing fee of $78.00.  You’ll be provided with two additional copies.  If you need more copies, each copy will cost $10.00.  After the filing fees are paid, you need to choose a hearing date. 

“DE Change of Name Petitions Sussex County Step 4”

All hearings for Sussex County are heard at the Sussex County Courthouse in the Georgetown Circle.  Make sure you appear at least 30 minutes before the hearing so you can check with the bailiff to find the appropriate courtroom.

During the hearing, the judge will ask the petitioner why they wish to change their name.  If the minor is 14 years or older, they are allowed to provide their own testimony as well.  The hearing is usually short and informal. 

“DE Change of Name Petitions Sussex County Step 5”

If the judge approves the name change, the Clerk will provide the petition with a certificate indicating when the new name can be used.