INSTRUCTIONS: PETITION FOR NAME CHANGE (Minor Child under 14) CV-455

“Petition for Name Change (Minor Child under 14) CV-455 Step 1”

The heading needs completed, including the county, current name of the minor, and name(s) of the petitioner(s). Check the appropriate box in part 1. The petition must be filed by parents, one parent, or a guardian/custodian.

“Petition for Name Change (Minor Child under 14) CV-455 Step 2”

Provide the petitioner’s address in part 2. If there is a co-petitioner, provide their address as well. State what county the child currently resides in the last line of part 2.

“Petition for Name Change (Minor Child under 14) CV-455 Step 3”

Provide the date of birth and state of birth for the minor in part 3. State the name that appears on their birth certificate in part 4, and write which state the birth certificate was issued in on the line in part 5.

“Petition for Name Change (Minor Child under 14) CV-455 Step 4”

Check the appropriate box in pat 6, and write the requested name of the minor in part 7, including first, middle and last. Provide specific reasons for the name change in the lines provided below.

“Petition for Name Change (Minor Child under 14) CV-455 Step 5”

Complete the Notice and Order for Name Change Hearing (CV-460) and the Order for Name Change (CV-470). Make two copies of these forms and the Petition and take the forms to the Clerk of Court in the county where the minor currently resides.

“Petition for Name Change (Minor Child under 14) CV-455 Step 6”

Publication in a local newspaper is required once a week for three consecutive weeks. If paternity has been established but only one parent is filing the Petition, a copy of the Petition and Notice needs sent to the non-petitioning parent. A sheriff or private server must try to serve the documents in person. I service is impossible for any reason, the petitioner can fill out an Affidavit of Attempted Service on Non-Petitioning Parent (CV-465).

“Petition for Name Change (Minor Child under 14) CV-455 Step 7”

The petitioning parent needs to attend the hearing. The non-petitioning parent can attend as well to contest the name change. If the non-petitioning parent does not attend, the name change will proceed.