Name Change
Change your or your child’s name.
Court forms for requesting or contesting an adult or minor’s name change.
Overview
In Arizona, you can ask the court to legally change your name or your child’s name. A name change order provides official recognition so that government agencies, schools, and other institutions can update records. Fathers may seek a name change for personal reasons, cultural identity, or to ensure consistency for their children.
When a Name Change May Apply
An adult wishes to change their own legal name
A parent requests to change their child’s name (with or without the other parent’s consent)
A family wants to restore a birth name or adopt a new name after divorce, adoption, or other life changes
Correcting errors or inconsistencies in legal documents
Forms You’ll Need
Depending on the situation, you may need to file:
Petition for Change of Name (Adult or Minor)
Consent or Notice to Other Parent (if changing a child’s name)
Order of Name Change (signed by the judge)
(Exact forms may differ by county—check your local Superior Court for the most current versions.)
Key Considerations for Fathers
Children’s name changes: If you are requesting a name change for your child, the other parent must usually be notified, and the court will decide based on the child’s best interests.
Court approval required: A judge must approve all legal name changes.
Limitations: Name changes cannot be granted to avoid debt, criminal charges, or other fraudulent purposes.
Updating records: After the order is signed, you’ll need to update the child’s or your own Social Security, driver’s license, school, and medical records.
Resources & Support
The information offered on this site is made available as a public service and is not intended to take the place of legal advice. If you do not understand something, have trouble filling out any of the forms, or are not sure these forms and instructions apply to your situation, see an attorney for help. Consult a state Law Library or the Legal Aid Resources page for information on free or reduced cost legal aid for more information.
Not all forms may be accepted in all Arizona courts – you should contact the clerk of the court in which you will be filing to confirm the use of a particular form, determine whether any additional forms are required and verify the filing fees. The Arizona Bar Foundation assumes no responsibility and accepts no liability for actions taken by users of these documents, including reliance on their contents.