Both parents stated on the child’s birth certificate must file their consent to the name change if the child is under 14 years old. If one parent does not consent to the name change, the court will set a hearing. At the hearing, the court may waive the need for consent from both parents if the court finds one of the following:
- The parent who does not consent to the name change has abandoned the child.
- The parent who does not consent to the name change has been ordered to contribute to the support of the child or to financially aid in the child’s birth and has failed to do so without good cause.
- The parent who has not consented to the name change does not object to the name change after having been given due and proper notice.