INSTRUCTIONS: PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME (Family) FL 12.982

This form is used when a family wants to change its name; it should not be used in dissolution of marriage, paternity, or adoption. This form needs signed in front of notary public and submitted the circuit court in the county the family currently resides.

The Petition is used for one adult. If more than one adult needs to change their name, Supplemental Forms need filed for each adult.

“Petition for Change of Name (Family) FL 12.982 Step 1”

Unless restoring a former name, each adult petitioner needs to submit their fingerprints to a state and national criminal records check. A hearing cannot occur until the clerk has received the state and national criminal history check.

“Petition for Change of Name (Family) FL 12.982 Step 2”

If any children in the Petition are not legal children of both the adults filing the Petition, consent is required from all legal parents.

“Petition for Change of Name (Family) FL 12.982 Step 3”

If a legal parent has not consented to the name change, a hearing may still occur for the Petition if the petitioners notified the legal parent of the hearing. Personal service is required if the petitioners know where the legal parent lives, and Constructive service is required if the petitioners do not know where the legal parent lives. Refer to instructions on Forms 12.910(a) and 12.913(b) for more information.

“Petition for Change of Name (Family) FL 12.982 Step 4”

After submitting the Petition, you need to request a final hearing date. If you’re restoring a former name, a hearing can be held right away. Otherwise, the hearing will occur right after the Clerk has received results from the criminal history records check.

“Petition for Change of Name (Family) FL 12.982 Step 5”

If attending the hearing, take the Final Judgment of Change of Name (Family) form to the hearing and complete the top part of the form. If the judge approves the petition, they will sign the Order. The clerk will provide the petitioner(s) with certified copies of the Order.

“Petition for Change of Name (Family) FL 12.982 Step 6”

The state suggests making a list of all people and places that need a copy of the final judgment, including the DMV, social security office, and more. This will help the petitioner determine how many copies of the Order they will need.