How to Change a Minor Child's Last Name for Free

A court order is often required where there is a desire or need to change a child's last name, with the exception of adoption cases. To obtain such a court order, it is necessary to file the appropriate paper work requesting permission from a judge. Once permission is granted, you can take the signed paperwork to the appropriate offices where a new social security card and birth certificate will be issued for the child with the new name.

Instructions

    • 1

      Locate the city hall in the town where the child was born.

    • 2

      Call the office of the city clerk to obtain information on necessary paperwork. In most cases, this will require filling out a "pro se" motion, which is simply a form you must fill out requesting permission for a court date to speak about your case. Include your name, address and other information addressing why you have requested the court date.

    • 3

      Fill out an Indigent Form. The exact name of the form may vary from state to state. The city clerk will know what the appropriate name of the form. This form will ask you for your personal finance information. Keep in mind that honesty is the best policy when dealing with legal matters. Inaccurate information can significantly influence the outcome of your case.

    • 4

      Return any forms to the appropriate office, this should be the same place you received them. Ask the city clerk for the exact location. The judge will have to approve the Indigent Form that very day. Wait to hear of the form's acceptance of denial before leaving the city hall. Wait for a letter in the mail informing you of a court date.

    • 5

      Accumulate any information that supports why it is in the child's best interest to have the name changed. This could be a marriage in which the child gains a step-father or a paternity test proving the identity of the biological father. The judge is more likely to approve the name change if the child is younger than 5 years old.

    • 6

      Deliver the signed paperwork showing the judge's decision to your local social security office and the city clerks office to have a new social security card and birth certificate issued.

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