AOC-SP-88 — Petition for Change of Name (Minor Child)

← FORMVANA NC FORMS VIEW ALL FORMS →

01 PETITIONER — PARENT / GUARDIAN

Petitioner Full Name *

Address *

Relationship to Child *

County of Residence *

02 CHILD'S CURRENT INFORMATION

Child's First Name *

Child's Middle Name

Child's Last Name *

Child's Date of Birth *

Child's County of Residence *

03 REQUESTED NEW NAME FOR CHILD

New First Name *

New Middle Name

New Last Name *

04 OTHER PARENT'S CONSENT

Other Parent's Status *

G.S. 101-2(b) requires both parents to be served unless parental rights are terminated or a parent is deceased.

Other Parent's Name

05 CHILD AGE & CONSENT (IF 12 OR OLDER)

Is the child 12 years of age or older? *

If the child is 12 or older, the court requires the child's written consent OR the court must find the name change is in the child's best interest despite objection.

06 BEST INTERESTS OF THE CHILD

Explain why this name change is in the best interest of the child * The best interests of the child is the controlling standard under G.S. 101-2(b).

07 STATUTORY AFFIRMATION

By generating this petition, you affirm that: (1) the information provided is true and accurate; (2) this name change is sought in the best interests of the child and not for any fraudulent purpose; and (3) this petition must be signed before a Notary Public or Clerk of Superior Court before filing.

Petitioner's Name (Typed Signature) *

Today's Date *

FILING COUNTY

— Select above —

NEXT STEP: ORDER FORM

After your hearing, the judge signs AOC-SP-89. Generate the proposed order now to bring to court.

OPEN SP-89 ORDER FORM →

STATUTORY REFERENCE

G.S. 101-2(b)Minor name change

Best InterestsControlling standard

Child 12+Written consent req'd

Filing Fee$10 (Clerk of Court)

AOC-SP-88Minor Petition

SERVICE REQUIREMENTS

Both parents must be personally served with the petition unless parental rights are terminated or a parent is deceased
If other parent cannot be located, you must make diligent effort and describe that effort in the petition
Publication is usually NOT required for minor name changes
Bring proof of service to the hearing

AFTER THE MINOR NAME CHANGE ORDER

Update Birth Certificate — NC Vital Records (DHHS), bring certified order
Update school records with certified copy
Social Security card — SSA.gov
Passport — DS-11 (first-time) or DS-82 (renewal)
Note: Divorce decree name restoration for mothers is a different process — check the decree language
Generate the SP-89 Order → to bring to your hearing

ADULT NAME CHANGE?

If changing your own name (not a child's), use the adult forms instead
SP-86 Adult Petition →
SP-87 Adult Order →

NEED AN ATTORNEY?

Minor name changes with a contested other parent are legally complex
If the other parent objects, consider consulting an attorney before proceeding
Barker Richardson, PLLC → Raleigh NC