Fillable Form Tennessee Petition for Change of Name (Minor)

What is the Petition for Change of Name?

A Petition for Change of Name is a legal form that is used in order to request that the petitioner’s name be changed into a different one. This can be their first name, their last name, or their full name in general. Filing this form is a required part of the process to legally change a person’s name for any reason.

A person's legal name is always, the name that is recorded on their birth certificate by default. This name is then reflected in all of their personal legal documents, from their driver's license to their marriage certificate, and is also the name that is used for other formal purposes, such as for a court order for child support or for the issuance of a marriage license. In order to file paperwork properly, the full, legal name of the person that is filing the paperwork or for whom the paperwork is being filed must be used, otherwise legal issues may arise.

A change request for a minor's name generally needs to be passed through family court, with various other procedures also needing to be undergone. While the petition itself is filed in court, it can be a circuit court in a minor jurisdiction or otherwise depending on the laws of the state in question.

How do I fill out the Petition for Change of Name?

A fillable template for a Name Change Petition can be found here. Note that this particular form is primarily geared for use in the state of Tennessee, and in particular for the change of name of a minor. If you need to use a Change of Name Petition for another state or context, make sure to make all the necessary edits accordingly.

Court Details

Enter the county in Tennessee that the court is located in, as well as the court and docket number of the court.

Name of Petitioners

Enter the names of all petitioners involved in this petition.

In re: Change of Name of Minor

Enter the current name of the minor and the name that the petitioners seek to change it to.

Birth Date and Place

Enter the date and the place that the concerned minor was born.

Birth Name

Enter the minor’s birth name.

Residence

Enter the minor’s current residential address, and how long they have been living at that address. Then enter the petitioners’ current residential address, and how long they have been living at that address.

Minor’s Parents

Enter the name of the minor’s father and mother, and their residential addresses (if separate).

Reason for Name Change

Enter the name that the petitioners are proposing the minor’s name be changed to, then attach a separate sheet of paper, appropriately labeled, that explains the reason for the name change.

Legal and Creditor Status

This section certifies that the minor does not have any outstanding judgments, has never committed or been convicted of a crime, and is not involved in any pending legal actions.

Additional Declarations

Attach a separate sheet of paper, appropriately labeled, that details any additional declarations the petitioners are doing.

Name Change

Enter the minor’s original or current name, and the name that it will be changed to.

Verification (For Each Petitioner)

Have each petitioner enter the following details about themselves in the spaces provided:

• Full name
• Name and Signature
• Date signed
• Address

Notary

Have the notary enter the date that the form was sworn before them, as well as their name.

Consent to Change of Name of Minor

Court Details

Enter the county in Tennessee that the court is located in, as well as the court and docket number of the court.

Name of Petitioners

Enter the names of all petitioners involved in this petition.

In re: Change of Name of Minor

Enter the current name of the minor and the name that the petitioners seek to change it to.

Name

Enter the minor’s current name, then, in the space provided, indicate any other names they have been known by and in what context. If more space is required, use another appropriately labeled sheet of paper and attach it to this form.

Residence

Enter the residential address that the minor lives in, and how long they have been living at that address.

Consent to Change Name of Minor

Enter the minor’s original name and the name that it will be changed to. This section indicates that the minor consents to having their name changed.

Verification

Have the primary petitioner enter the following personal details in the spaces provided:

• Full name
• Name and Signature
• Date form was signed
• Address

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why would someone want to legally change their name?

There are many different reasons for why a person may wish to have their name changed. One may wish to simply have a new start in life due to a change in circumstances such as living conditions or gender identity, have a name they dislike, for specific legal purposes, and so on.

Is a name change petition needed to change a person’s name after they or their parents get married?

No. Generally, no legal forms need to be filed to have a person’s name changed after marriage. However, in the case of divorce, a petition does need to be filed to change one’s name.

How much does it cost to file a petition to change a name?

It depends on the state. Some states set the filing fee at lower than $100, but others may go as high as $500, not factoring in costs for other legal proceedings that may need to be undertaken as part of the name-change process.

What happens if someone does not petition to change their name, and does so anyway?

If a person is caught using a fake name, they may be charged with fraud or even identity theft.

Can I amend a petition once it has been submitted?

It depends on the state and in most cases, the court. If an amendment is urgently needed, it is best to contact the court or the clerk's office that you file court forms through as soon as possible to tell them of the need to amend information on the petition.

Can I hire a professional to help me file this petition?

Yes, though you will still be counted as the petitioner rather than your hired legal advisor. If problems arise because of a name change petition, enlisting the services of a district attorney to learn your rights

What do I do if there are errors in the petition?

Contact the court as soon as possible and inform them of the errors in the petition you just submitted, then, if you are allowed to make corrections, do so. In some cases you may need to file an entirely new petition instead of simply correcting the information on the available one, however.

Can someone back out of a petition?

Yes, but they must inform the court that they are doing so. If the petition is being dropped entirely, the court must also be notified as to why.

How many times can a name be legally changed?

Technically there is no limit, but a reason has to be given that the court approves of for a name to be legally changed. Frequent name changes for reasons that may be deemed insufficient by the court may not be granted.

Are name change petitions required for witness protection?

No, as doing so would defeat the purpose of witness protection obscuring the protected person’s identity. If the witness exits witness protection, however (such as through the threat to them being removed), and the witness wishes to keep their new name, a petition may be necessary, but it depends on the nature of the protection program. The government may simply grant their request and no longer require any petition to be made.

Can a name change petition be filed electronically?

It depends on the court. Some courts allow electronic filing, while others do not. Make sure to check beforehand to ensure you submit the form through the proper channels.