INSTRUCTIONS: MT NAME CHANGE PACKET (Child)

All completed forms need filed with the District Court Office in the county where the minor currently resides. Required forms include the following:

· Petition for Name Change (Child)

· Consent to Name Change of Minor Child

· Order Setting Hearing

· Notice of Hearing on Name Change of Minor Child (if either parent does not consent to the change of name)

· Order for Name Change

“MT Name Change Packet (Child) Step 1”

When filling out the forms, fill in all the blanks and sign and date in all appropriate locations. All forms need signed in front of the Notary Public. Make sure to complete the headings in all of the forms.

“MT Name Change Packet (Child) Step 2”

Make copies of all the forms and take the originals to the District Court Clerk. File the original Petition, Consent, Order, and Notice. Have the clerk stamp the copies. Pay all of the filing fees. If you cannot afford the filing fees, ask the Clerk for an Affidavit of Inability to Pay. Make sure you give the Clerk a stamped, self-addressed envelope to receive copies of the Order and Notice.

“MT Name Change Packet (Child) Step 3”

Once the judge signs the Order for the hearing date, the petitioner will receive an Order Setting Hearing and Notice of Hearing. Regard the Order to see where you need to publish the Notice of Hearing. If you believe the minor’s safety is a concern with a Notice in the newspaper, ask the Clerk of steps you should take.

Otherwise, a local newspaper will publish the Notice of Hearing for four consecutive weeks before the hearing occurs. After publication, the newspaper will send receipt of the publication to the petitioner. Bring the receipt with you to the hearing.

“MT Name Change Packet (Child) Step 4”

Complete the Order for Name Change and bring the original and a copy with your to the hearing.

“MT Name Change Packet (Child) Step 5”

Bring all copies of the forms with you to the hearing. The minor will also have to attend the hearing because the judge will want to ask them questions. Dress professionally, arrive early, and be prepared to answer any number of questions.

“MT Name Change Packet (Child) Step 6”

If the name change is approved, bring the signed Order for Name Change to the Clerk.