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Name Change

This toolkit tells you about changing your name, your child’s name, or your family’s last name. For general information about changing names, read the Articles. Read the Common Questions if you have a specific question. If you want to ask a judge for a name change, use the Forms link to prepare your forms. Use the Checklists below to make sure you followed all the steps in the process. Go to Courts & Agencies for information about the court or agency that will handle your case.

You'll find links to legal aid offices and lawyer referral services under Find A Lawyer. If there is a Self-Help Center in your area you can get more help there. If you need something other than legal help, look in Community Services. If you need a fee waiver, an interpreter, a court to accommodate your disability, or more information about going to court, visit Going to Court.

Common Questions

How do I change my name?

  • Complete and file the Petition to Change Name with the circuit court in the county where you live. You must have lived in that county for at least one year

  • Pay the required fees

  • If you are 22 years old or older, get fingerprinted. Send your fingerprints, a copy of your petition, and check or money order for $43.25 to the Michigan State Police for a criminal background check

  • Publish your Notice of Hearing (unless the judge orders your case be kept confidential)

  • Go to the hearing

For more information, please read I Want to Change My Name.

How do I change my minor child’s name?

Only a custodial parent can ask to change a child’s name. A custodial parent has sole or joint physical or legal custody of the child.

To change your child’s name, you must:

  • Complete and file the Petition to Change Name with the family division of the circuit court in the county where your child lives. Your child must have lived in that county for at least one year

  • Pay the required fees

  • Notify your child’s other parent. If the other parent objects to the proposed name change, to have the name change approved you must prove that parent:

    • Failed to provide your child with substantial support for the last two years, AND has not had substantial contact with your child in the last two years; OR

    • Has been convicted of child abuse or a sexual assault crime and your child or one of your child’s siblings was the victim

  • Publish the Notice of Hearing (unless the judge orders your case be kept confidential)

  • If your child is 14 years old or older, that child must sign a consent form agreeing to the name change in front of the judge.

To learn more, please read Changing Your Minor Child’s Name.

Why might the judge deny my proposed name change?

A judge may deny your proposed name change if:

  • The judge believes you want to change your name for fraudulent reasons (such as, if you want to change your name to deceive creditors or escape a criminal record);

  • You didn’t publish the Notice of Hearing; or

  • Someone, such as a creditor or a person with your proposed name, objects to your name change.

Show more Common Questions

Checklist – How to ask for a name change for yourself (print)

Checklist – How to ask for a name change for your family (print)

Checklist – How to ask to change your minor child’s name (print)

Checklist – How to ask for a name change when you are a minor (print)

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