INSTRUCTIONS: GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS TO CHANGE A NAME

This instructional form applies to both adult petitioners for themselves and petitioners for minors. 

“General Instructions to Change a Name Step 1”

The instructional form states that a petition needs submitted in the County Court of Supreme Court in the county the petitioner resides.  If the petitioner lives in New York City, the petition can be submitted to any branch of the Civil Court. 

“General Instructions to Change a Name Step 2”

The general requirements for all petitioners are listed below:

1.  If the petitioner was born in New York certified copy of the birth certificate needs attached to the petition.  If the petitioner was born outside of New York, a copy of the birth certificate, baptismal certificate, passport or other legal documents can be attached as long as it shows the place and date of birth. 

2.  If the petitioner committed a crime, they must provide explanation of the offense and time served and a Certificate of Incarceration or Certificate of Disposition. 

3.  If the petitioner has declared bankruptcy in the past or is currently in a judgment for bankruptcy, details of the case need attached to the petition. 

4.  All petitioners need to explain why they want to change their name. 

“General Instructions to Change a Name Step 3”

The state of New York requires all petitioners to publish a copy of the Order in a local newspaper.  The publication costs can become expensive, and these costs are the responsibility of the petitioner. 

“General Instructions to Change a Name Step 4”

If a petitioner is married but only wants to change his or her name and not the spouse’s name, the need to notify the other spouse of the requested name change. 

“General Instructions to Change a Name Step 5”

If the petitioner is requesting to change the name of their minor child, the other parent needs to consent to the change of name.  If the other parent does not consent, the process becomes exceedingly complex and usually requires the assistance of an attorney. 

“General Instructions to Change a Name Step 6”

If a petitioner is requesting the change of name for a minor and that minor is 14 years of age or older, the minor must consent to the name change.  The Consent form must be attached to the Petition.

INSTRUCTIONS: PETITION TO CHANGE NAME OF MINOR CHILD 5FP163

Each Family Court in Hawaii has specific forms.  There are statewide forms, but circuits require additional forms as well.  In the heading of all the documents, provide the current legal name of the minor and their full date of birth. 

“Petition to Change Name of Minor Child 5FP163 Step 1”

In part 2 of the Petition, provide the full legal name of the Petitioner and check the box indicating their relation to the minor.  In part 3, provide the current legal name of the child, their current address, date of birth, place of birth (county and state), sex, age, and social security number.

“Petition to Change Name of Minor Child 5FP163 Step 2”

In part 4, provide the minor’s current name and the full proposed name.  

“Petition to Change Name of Minor Child 5FP163 Step 3”

In part 6, provide the full name of the non-consenting parent and the last known address. 

“Petition to Change Name of Minor Child 5FP163 Step 4”

In part 7, provide the non-consenting parent’s name and dates that a return receipt was requested and consent form was mailed. 

“Petition to Change Name of Minor Child 5FP163 Step 5”

On the third page of the Petition, provide the minor’s current legal name and the proposed name.  Sign the bottom of the form and check the appropriate box.  Make sure the signature is performed in front of the clerk. 

“Petition to Change Name of Minor Child 5FP163 Step 6”

Once the Petition is submitted to the clerk with attached documentation of attempts to contact the non-consenting parent, the clerk will sign the Supporting Affidavit and a hearing will be set. 

“Petition to Change Name of Minor Child 5FP163 Step 7”

A Notice of Hearing will be sent to the petitioning parent and the non-consenting parent as well.  The petitioner should fill out the heading of this form and let the Clerk fill out the rest.  The Notice will inform the parties of the date, time, and location of the hearing.

“Petition to Change Name of Minor Child 5FP163 Step 8”

If the change of name is approved for the minor, the judge will issue Certificate stating when the new name can be used.  Obtain copies of the certificate to change the minor’s birth certificate, social security card, and more.