People change their names for a variety of reasons. If you, or your minor child wishes to change their legal name, we can assist you through the process.
Adult Name Change
If you are over the age of 18, we can guide you through the process to legally change your name in Wilmington, North Carolina area. The process begins with posting notice of the name change and then filing a petition with the court. Among other documents, you will need an FBI Background Check, SBI Background Check, official fingerprint cards, and character witnesses. Rest assured that our experienced attorneys will walk you through every step of the way with changing your name in Brunswick, New Hanover, Pender, and Onslow Counties. For more information on how many times you can change your name, CLICK HERE.
Minor Child Name Change
The last name of a minor child is often changed to create family cohesion. Unlike an adult name change, background checks are not required for a minor child’s name change. However, so long as both parents are alive, and on the birth certificate, both parents will need to consent to the name change. An application (or petition) to change the name of minor child is not required to be consented to by both parents if one of the following applies:
- A minor who is over 16 files a petition and has consent from a parent who has custody of you and the other parent has abandoned the minor. Be aware that “abandonment” can be shown by filing a copy of an order of a court adjudicating the parent’s abandonment. There are additional methods of determining whether “abandonment” has occurred which are not covered here.
- A parent may file a name change petition on behalf of a minor without consent of the other parent if the other parent has abandoned the minor
- A parent may file a name change petition on behalf of a minor child without consent from the other parent if the other parent has been convicted of one of the following criminal offenses against the minor child
- Felonious/Misdemeanor child abuse;
- Taking indecent liberties with a minor in violation of G.S. 14-202.1;
- Rape or any other sex offense in violation of Article 7B of Chapter 14 of the General Statutes;
- Incest in violation of G.S. 14-178;
- Assault, communicating a threat, or any other crime of violence;
Be aware that certain circumstances automatically create a legal name change, such as adoption. If a minor child wishes to legally change their name, we can provide the direction and guidance needed to navigate the legal process.
Resuming Maiden Name
Often times, a woman or man might want to resume their maiden name after a divorce. Although it is not required to request the resumption of the maiden name during a divorce, the process is certainly simpler than waiting until after the divorce is complete. If you wish to resume your maiden name after a divorce, we are here to guide you through the process.
CLICK HERE to learn more about REAL ID and whether you may need a name change.
For guidance on the name change process, contact Atlantic Coast Law.
