Family Lawyer’s Guide to Child Name Changes in Tennessee: Legal Steps, Strategies, and Practical Advice
Understanding Child Name Changes in Tennessee Changing a child's name in Tennessee involves both legal and procedural steps. Whether due to divorce, adoption, or personal preference, parents and guardians must follow the state's requirements to ensure the name change is valid and legally recognized. 🔹 Who Can Request a Child Name Change? - The child's parent or legal guardian. - Both parents must generally agree, or one must provide legal justification for proceeding without the other. - If a child is 14 or older, they must consent to the name change. 🔹 Legal Requirements for a Name Change - The request must be filed with the local chancery or circuit court in the county where the child resides. - The petitioner must demonstrate that the change is in the best interest of the child. - Proper legal notice must be provided to any non-consenting parent. Filing a Petition for a Child's Name Change The process starts by submitting a name change petition to the appro...