
INSTRUCTIONS FOR MINOR NAME CHANGE IN NORTH CAROLINA:
In most circumstances, you will need the signed and notarized consent of the other parent in order to change your child's name. Under North Carolina law, a parent may not change the name of a minor child without the consent of the other parent, except in the following instances: the other parent is deceased; the minor child has reached the age of 16; the minor child has the consent of the custodial parent who has supported the minor child and the clerk of court is satisfied that the non-custodial parent has abandoned the minor child; or the non-custodial parent has been adjudicated as having abandoned the minor child.To Change the Name of Child Under 16 Years of Age, You Will Need to Bring the Following Forms and Documents to the Court To File Your Petition:
- Petition for Name Change (Minor) (must be signed and notarized)
- Affidavit of Parental Consent (this is needed if only one parent is signing the petition)
- Child';s Birth Certificate (1 original and 1 copy)
- Proof of Identification (Parent(s)) (driver's license, passport)
- Proof of Residency (Parents) - Documents with your name and current address (utility bill, phone bill, cable bill)
- Filing fee in cash or money order
After you file your forms, you will need to appear for a hearing in court to explain the reasons why you wish to change your child's name. When you appear in court for your hearing, you should bring a self-addressed, stamped envelope so that the court can mail a copy of the decision to you.
To Change the Name of a Child Who is 16 or 17 Years of Age, You Will Need to Bring the Following Forms and Documents to the Court To File Your Petition:
- Right to Review Request Form (SBI)
- Records Check Request Checklist (FBI)
- Applicant Information Form (FBI)
- Credit Card Payment Form (FBI)
- Petition for Name Change (Minor)
- Affidavit of Parental Consent
- Two (2) Affidavits of Character (from adults who are not related to the child)
- Affidavit of Outstanding Tax or Child Support