Can I change an adopted child’s name?

Yes, you can change an adopted child’s name in Washington. In Washington, the law allows parents to legally change their adopted child’s name. This process is done through the court, and a court order is required. Generally, the parents must have the consent of the child’s biological parents, or show that they have made a reasonable effort to find them if they cannot be located. To begin the process, the parent must prepare and file a Petition to Change a Name. The Petition must include the current name of the adopted child and the proposed new name that the parents would like the child to have. The Petition must also include the court-appointed guardian ad litem’s opinion about the requested change. After filing the Petition, the court will then set a hearing date. The parents and the child must attend the hearing to show that the name change is in the child’s best interest. After the court considers the evidence, it will either approve or deny the Petition. If the Petition is approved, the court will then enter a court order changing the child’s name. Once the order is entered, the parents can then change the child’s identity documents, such as their birth certificate, driver’s license, passport, and school records. They will also need to notify the Social Security Administration of the name change so that the child’s records are up to date.

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Can I change an adopted child’s name?

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