Name Change Lawyer — Lillington & Fuquay-Varina

North Carolina’s court process for changing a name has different requirements for adults and children. The Law Offices of Wunsch and Cruz prepares name change petitions for adults and children in Harnett and Wake counties, with offices in Lillington and Fuquay-Varina.

Changing an adult’s name

Adult name changes are governed by Chapter 101. The petition is filed in the county where the person lives, and the court sets a hearing. For applicants sixteen and older, the process includes a criminal record check, and the court may require notice to be published unless it orders otherwise.

Common reasons include marriage, divorce, a name that has been used consistently in daily life, or a preference unrelated to any legal dispute. The court can refuse a petition filed for a fraudulent or improper purpose, which is why the application asks about criminal history and any prior name changes.

A divorce judgment can restore a former name without a separate petition in many cases. If a judgment already addresses the name, we can review whether a Chapter 101 filing is needed.

Changing a child’s name

For a minor, G.S. 101-2 allows a parent, guardian or next friend to file on the child’s behalf. Because the change affects both parents’ legal relationship with the child, notice to the other parent usually matters, and the court considers the child’s best interests.

When the other parent consents, the filing is simpler. If consent is not available or the parent cannot be located, the court will expect an explanation and, depending on the facts, may require notice by publication or another method. Tell the attorney about any pending custody case so the timing of both matters can be considered.

What the court will ask

• Why the change is requested, in plain terms.
• Whether the person has been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor involving moral turpitude.
• Any previous name changes and where they were filed.
• For a minor, the other parent’s identity, address and position on the change.

After the order

The order allows you to update records such as a driver’s license, bank accounts, insurance, employer records and, where relevant, the child’s school records. You will need to contact each organization to make those updates.

Keep certified copies of the order, since some organizations will not accept a photocopy.

What to bring to the first meeting

• Photo identification and the current legal name on record.
• Birth certificate for a minor, and the other parent’s contact details if known.
• Any existing custody order, divorce judgment or protective order.
• Any prior name change order or court filing.
• Criminal history information, if any.

Talk with the firm

To discuss an adult or minor name change in Harnett or Wake County, contact the firm or call our Lillington office at (910) 814-8777. Our family law and custody pages explain related services.