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Name Change
Where should I make an application for changing our minor child’s name?

Where should I make an application for changing our minor child’s name?

Q: How long after a baby is born can you change their name?

In Georgia, you can change your baby's name at any time after birth. However, it's important to file the name change petition as soon as possible, especially if you want to update official documents like the birth certificate.

Q: Can I change my child's last name without father's consent in Georgia?

In Georgia, changing a child's last name without the father's consent can be complicated. If the father has legal rights, his consent is typically required. If he does not consent, you may need to demonstrate to the court that changing the name is in the child's best interests.

Q: How do I change the name of a newborn baby?

To change the name of a newborn in Georgia, you must file a petition in the superior court of your county. This involves providing your reasons for the name change and following the legal process, which includes publishing a notice of the petition.

Q: Can I change baby name after 1 year?

Yes, you can change your baby's name after one year in Georgia. There is no time limit for filing a name change petition, but you will need to follow the legal process, including filing a petition and publishing a notice.

Full question:

My husband and I are thinking of changing our baby’s name. She’s is 1 year old. Where should I make an application for name change? We live in Georgia.

Category: Name Change
Date: 04/07/2025
State: Georgia

Answer:

You can make an application for changing your baby’s name in the superior court of the county where you reside.

O.C.G.A. § 19-12-1reads:

“Petition for name change; notice of filing; consent of minor's parents or guardian; service on parents or guardian; time of hearing; judgment; clerk's fees
(a) Any person desirous of changing his name or the name or names of his minor child or children may present a petition to the superior court of the county of his residence, setting forth fully and particularly the reasons why the change is asked, which petition shall be verified by the petitioner.
(b) Within seven days of the filing of the petition, the petitioner shall cause a notice of the filing, signed by him, to be published in the official legal organ of the county once a week for four weeks. The notice shall contain therein the name of the petitioner, the name of the person whose name is to be changed if different from that of the petitioner, the new name desired, the court in which the petition is pending, the date on which the petition was filed, and the right of any interested or affected party to appear and file objections.”

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

At what age can a child change his name?

In Georgia, there is no specific age limit for a child to change their name. However, if the child is under 18, a parent or legal guardian must file the petition on their behalf. The court will consider the best interests of the child when deciding on the name change.