Prepare your documents for Minor Child Name Change in Florida
This website helps prepare the forms required for minor child name change in Florida.
An overview of Minor Child Name Change at is here
HOW IT WORKS
1. Take Screening
Start with an online screening tool to help determine whether you may qualify to request a Name change for a minor child in Florida.
2. Prepare Documents
Instead of looking at the forms themselves, our system will help you prepare the minor name change petition by asking for the necessary information step by step. We will ask questions in plain, easy-to-understand language. Based on your answers, our system will place your information in the appropriate sections of the required court forms.
3. Consult Advocate (Optional)
You can consult a legal advisor for guidance about the minor name change process. An advisor can help you understand the eligibility requirements, review your information and supporting documents, explain whether the other parent must be notified or served, and discuss the filing process and your legal options.
4. File with the Clerk
You can submit the Petition for Change of Name (Minor Child(ren)) to the Circuit Court Clerk in the Florida county where you live. You must provide the required petition and supporting documents, pay any applicable filing fees, and complete any required notice or service process. If the court requires a hearing, you must schedule and attend the hearing before the judge can enter a final judgment.
Process
Step 1
You: Take Online Screening
Start your Florida Minor Child Name Change process by completing the screening on LegalAtoms. Enter your ZIP code and answer a few simple questions about the child, your relationship to the child, and the reason for requesting the name change.
The screening helps determine whether you may qualify to request a name change for a minor child and identifies the information and documents you may need. Before you begin, gather the child’s birth certificate, current legal name, proposed new name, and any relevant court or custody documents.
Step 2
You: Confirm Eligibility
Complete the required eligibility questions through LegalAtoms. You will answer questions in plain language about:
Whether the child is under 18 years old
Whether you are the child’s parent or court-appointed guardian
Whether the child’s name change is part of an adoption or pending paternity case
Whether the other parent agrees with the name change, if applicable
The county where you live
The child’s current legal name and proposed new name
The answers help determine whether the Florida minor name change process is appropriate for your situation and whether additional notice or service may be required.
Step 3
You: Prepare the Petition and Other Documents
Complete the required information through LegalAtoms. You will answer questions in plain language about:
Your name and contact information
The child’s current legal name
The child’s proposed new name
The child’s date and place of birth
The child’s current address
The names and information of the child’s parents
Your relationship to the child
The reason for requesting the name change
Whether the child has any relevant criminal history, judgments, or other information required by the form
Whether the other parent must be notified or served
Based on your answers, LegalAtoms will generate the appropriate Florida court forms, including the Petition for Change of Name (Minor Child(ren)).
Step 4
You: Sign the Documents and Gather Supporting Information
Review the completed documents and gather any required supporting information or documents.
You may need:
The child’s birth certificate
Documents showing your relationship to the child
Court orders relating to custody or guardianship, if applicable
The other parent’s written consent, if available
Information needed for service or notice to the other parent
Any additional documents required by the clerk or court
The petition generally must be signed before a notary public or deputy clerk, as required by the court form.
Step 5
You: File the Petition with the Clerk
Submit the completed and signed Petition for Change of Name (Minor Child(ren)) to the Circuit Court Clerk in the Florida county where you live.
You must provide the required petition and supporting documents and pay any applicable filing fees. The clerk will assign a case number and provide information about the next steps.
Step 6
You: Complete Any Required Notice or Service
If the other parent must be notified, you may need to obtain the parent’s written consent or complete the required notice or service process.
Depending on the circumstances:
The other parent may sign a consent form.
The other parent may need to receive formal personal service.
Constructive service may be required if the other parent’s location is unknown and the legal requirements are met.
The exact requirements depend on the circumstances of the case and the court’s instructions.
Step 7
Schedule and Attend the Hearing
If a hearing is required, contact the clerk or follow the court’s instructions to schedule the final hearing.
Attend the hearing with any required documents. The judge will review the petition and determine whether the requested name change is in the child’s best interests.
Step 7
Court: Issues the Final Judgment
If the judge approves the request, the court will enter a Final Judgment of Change of Name.
After the final judgment is entered, you can request certified copies from the clerk. You may need certified copies to update the child’s birth certificate, school records, passport, Social Security record, or other official documents.
FAQs
Court Forms Created This website guides you through all the topics required to complete your Minor Child Name Change documents and file your case.
Core Forms
-
Petition for Change of Name Minor Children
- Consent for Change of Name Minor Children
- Cover Sheet for Family Court Cases
- Summons Personal Service on an Individual
- Process Service Memorandum
- Notice of Limitation of Service