INSTRUCTIONS: PETITION FOR NAME CHANGE (Adult) DC 6:9(1)

Besides the petition, the petitioner also needs to file Legal Notice of Publication DC 6:9(2) and Decree of Name Change DC 6:9(3).  These forms need filed with the District Court in the county the petitioner currently resides. 

“Petition for Name Change (Adult) DC 6:9(1) Step 1”

In the heading of the Petition, provide your county of residence and your current legal name.  In the next paragraph, provide your full current name as well. 

“Petition for Name Change (Adult) DC 6:9(1) Step 2”

In part 1, provide your current street address including the city and county.  Provide the name of your county in part 2 as well. 

“Petition for Name Change (Adult) DC 6:9(1) Step 3”

In part 3, provide your current name again.  List your current name on the first line in part 4 too, and list your preferred new name on the second line. 

“Petition for Name Change (Adult) DC 6:9(1) Step 4”

Provide specific reasons why you want to change your name in part 5.  In the paragraph below, provide your current name on the first line and your preferred new name on the second line.  On the signature lines, print your current name, sign your current name, and provide your address and telephone number. 

“Petition for Name Change (Adult) DC 6:9(1) Step 5”

File the Petition and pay the filing fees with the Clerk at your District Court. 

“Petition for Name Change (Adult) DC 6:9(1) Step 6”

Once you file the Petition, ask the Clerk for a name and number of the bailiff so you can schedule a hearing.  Schedule the hearing about six weeks in the future. 

“Petition for Name Change (Adult) DC 6:9(1) Step 7”

Once you’ve schedule a hearing, complete Form the Legal Notice Form DC-6-9-2 and contact a local newspaper in your county.  The Notice needs published for four consecutive weeks. 

“Petition for Name Change (Adult) DC 6:9(1) Step 8”

Make sure the Clerk has received an affidavit of the publication and complete the Decree of Name Change form.  Arrive for the hearing about 30 minutes early and be prepared to ask numerous questions in front of the judge. 

“Petition for Name Change (Adult) DC 6:9(1) Step 9”

If the judge agrees to the name change, they will sign the Decree and you’ll receive a certified copy of the Decree to change important records.   

INSTRUCTIONS: CONSENT TO MINOR’S NAME CHANGE

If a non-petitioning parent agrees to the name change of their child by the other parent, they need to fill out and sign this form.  If the non-petitioning parent does not agree to the name change, they should not fill out this form. 

“Consent to Minor’s Name Change Step 1”

In the heading of the form, provide your full legal name, current address, city, and telephone number.  In the subheading, provide information for your district court and the county where the minor currently resides.  List the court’s address on the line provided, and provide the minor’s current legal name.  Do not fill out the case number and judge. 

“Consent to Minor’s Name Change Step 2”

Provide your full legal name in the section above part 1 stating that following facts are true.  In part 1, provide the minor’s current legal name in the line provided and their date of birth on the second line.  Check the appropriate box and attach any necessary documents. 

“Consent to Minor’s Name Change Step 3”

Parts 2 through 6 claims that the non-petitioning parent or legal custodian agrees to the Petition and knows their right to contest the Petition by filing a written response. 

“Consent to Minor’s Name Change Step 4”

Check the appropriate box in part 6.  The change of name will allow the child to have a different name or similar name to the non-petitioning parent or legal custodian.  Other circumstances could arise as well.  If so, provide an explanation. 

“Consent to Minor’s Name Change Step 5”

In part 8, provide the current legal name of the minor child on the first line and the proposed new name of the minor child on the second line.  This form needs signed in front of Notary Public. 

“Consent to Minor’s Name Change Step 6”

If you sign this form, you’re still required to attend the hearing.  If the judge approves the change of name, you should receive a copy of the Order and keep this form for recordkeeping.  Even if you did not fill out the Petition, you can still assist in changing the birth certificate and other important records for the minor. 

As stated in this form, the child’s change of name does not affect any other legal proceedings such as custody agreements or child support.