How to Legally Change a Minor Child’s Name When Both Parents Agree
Changing a child’s legal name is something many parents consider at some point. Maybe the family has gone through a divorce, remarriage, or adoption. Other times, it’s simply about wanting a name that better fits the child’s identity or fixing errors on important documents. If both parents agree, the process for a minor child’s name change in California can be done smoothly through the court system.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Common Reasons to Change a Minor’s Legal Name
There are many valid reasons why parents might want to change their child’s legal name. These include:
- The child wants to use the last name of a stepparent or guardian
- A recent adoption has taken place
- There are mistakes on the child’s birth certificate or ID documents
- The family wants the child’s name to match siblings or other relatives
- The child is expressing a new gender identity and wants a name to reflect it
Whatever the reason, California courts allow a legal name change of a minor if both parents give consent and follow the proper steps.
Step 1: Make Sure Both Parents Agree
Before filing anything, make sure that both legal parents (or guardians) are on board. California requires either:
- Both parents to sign the name change petition, or
- One parent to file and the other to sign a formal consent
If both parents agree from the beginning, the court process will move much faster and with less paperwork.
Step 2: Prepare the Name Change Forms
You’ll need to fill out several forms to begin the court process for a minor child’s name change. These include:
- Petition for Change of Name (Form NC-100)
- Attachment to Petition for Name Change (Form NC-110)
- Consent to Name Change (Form NC-125) — if only one parent is filing
- Civil Case Cover Sheet (Form CM-010)
Make sure the forms are complete and accurate. Errors can cause delays or force you to start over.
Step 3: File with the Superior Court
You’ll file the completed forms with the superior court in the county where the child lives. There is a filing fee, usually around $435, though fee waivers may be available if you qualify based on income.
After filing, the court will give you a hearing date. You’ll also receive a copy of the petition marked “Filed” and a document called an “Order to Show Cause” (Form NC-120). This next step involves publishing notice.
Step 4: Publish the Name Change Request
California law requires that the public be notified about most legal name change requests — even for minors. You must publish the court’s Order to Show Cause in a local newspaper once a week for four consecutive weeks. This allows the public to object if they have a legal reason.
If safety is a concern (such as a history of abuse or domestic violence), you can ask the court to skip publication. A judge will decide whether to approve that request based on your situation.
Step 5: Attend the Court Hearing
If everything goes smoothly, the court will grant the legal name change at the hearing. In most cases, when both parents have agreed and the paperwork is in order, the hearing is brief and routine. You may bring your child, but it’s not always required unless the judge asks for it.
Step 6: Get the Signed Court Order
Once the judge approves the minor child’s name change, you’ll receive a signed order called a Decree Changing Name (Form NC-130). This is the official document you’ll need to update the child’s records, including:
- Birth certificate
- Social Security card
- School records
- Health insurance and medical files
- Passports and other legal IDs
Final Thoughts
When both parents agree, the legal name change of a minor child in California is a manageable process. It still requires careful attention to forms, deadlines, and court rules — but it can be done without unnecessary stress or delays. If you’re unsure about how to proceed, you can work with a legal document assistant or paralegal service to help you file correctly the first time.
At CA Law Docs, we assist families with name changes, guardianships, and all types of family legal documents. We’ll prepare the forms, file with the court, and help with the newspaper publication process so you can focus on what matters most — your child’s future.