Tennessee Name Change Instructions and Forms Package for a Minor
What this form package covers
The Tennessee Name Change Instructions and Forms Package for a Minor is designed to help families legally change the name of a minor in Tennessee. This comprehensive package includes essential state-specific information, step-by-step instructions, and all necessary forms. Unlike other form packages, this one is tailored for minors, ensuring compliance with Tennessee laws to facilitate a smoother process.
Forms provided in this package
When this form package is needed
This package should be used when you want to legally change the name of a minor child for justifiable reasons. Common scenarios include:
- Stability or safety concerns, such as aligning the child's name with a custodial parent's.
- Changing the child's surname after a divorce or separation.
- To avoid confusion if the child has a name that is difficult to pronounce or spell.
- Facilitating integration into a new family unit, such as after remarriage.
Who can use this document
- Parents or legal guardians seeking to change a minor's name.
- Individuals with legal authority regarding the minor, such as custodians.
- Families undergoing name adjustments due to marriage, divorce, or other life changes.
Completing these forms step by step
- Review all included forms and instructions carefully to ensure understanding.
- Complete the forms fully with the minor's complete name and other required information.
- File the Petition for Change of Name in the appropriate Circuit, Probate, or County court.
- Attend the hearing as directed, and present the Order to Change Name to the court.
- Obtain a certified copy of the signed Order from the Clerk after the hearing.
Notarization details for included forms
Some included forms must be notarized to ensure validity. US Legal Forms provides secure online notarization powered by Notarize, allowing you to complete the process through a verified video call anytime.
Common mistakes
- Failing to spell the minor's name correctly on documents.
- Not including required notary signatures on forms where applicable.
- Missing filing fees or not submitting the appropriate payment during filing.
- Neglecting to obtain the necessary court documentation post-approval.
Benefits of completing this package online
- Instant access to all necessary forms and instructions, allowing you to start immediately.
- Editable forms in downloadable format to ensure compliance with unique data.
- Helpful guidance provided by licensed attorneys to navigate the name change process.
- Convenient online access, avoiding the need for in-person visits to a law office.
Form popularity
FAQ
Petitioning a court to change a child's name is usually not difficult. It will require a few basic forms, which you can often download for free from the website of your county court. However, a judge will approve the name change only if it is in the child's best interest.
A notarized affidavit, signed by all parents listed on the birth certificate, which shows the child's full name, date of birth, the incorrect name as it is listed on the certificate and the name as it should be correctly listed. No fee is required to amend a certificate that is less than one year old.
First, you file the Petition for Change of Name for your child. Then, you will get a court date between 6 and 12 weeks away. If the court approves your request, you will get a court order called a "decree" changing your child's name. The court process can take up to 3 months, though in busier courts it may take longer.
Married ParentsYou can make any changes you like to the baby's first and middle names, but under Tennessee name change law, the child's surname can only be changed to the mother's surname, the mother's maiden name, the father's surname or any combination of these.
Get Your Marriage License and Certified Copies. Update Your Social Security Card. Get a New Driver's License. Get a New Passport and Travel Documents. Change the Name on Your Bank Accounts. Change the Name on Your Credit Cards. Provide Your New Name and Banking Information to Your Employer.
You must visit a Driver Service Center to make changes to your name. You will need your current license and the original or certified document showing the reason for the change; for example: An original or certified marriage certificate, original or certified copy of your divorce decree, or the original court order.
Both legal parents have the right to name a child or to request a name change. However, one parent can't change a child's name without the approval of the other parent. Thus, if the mother doesn't approve, then the father requesting the name change must file a petition with the court for a decision.
To change the name of a minor in the State of Tennessee, both parents or legal guardians of the child must sign the petition and appear before the chancellor. A step-parent can only consent to the name change of a minor if the parental rights of the natural mother or father have been terminated.