[GA] How can a minor legally change their middle name?

GA Family Law

Andres Sanchez

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Yes, you can petition to change your 17-year-old’s middle name in Georgia, but you cannot use the standard adult name-change form or the parent-only minor form. Georgia has specific rules for 17-year-olds.

Under O.C.G.A. § 19-12-1, a 17-year-old is treated differently than younger minors:

Your daughter must file her own name-change petition.
Because she is still a minor, a parent or legal guardian must sign a notarized consent.
Courts often prefer both parents sign if both have legal custody, but one custodial parent is generally sufficient.
She cannot use the “minor name change” form meant for children under 14.

So, to answer your question directly — No, Georgia does not use a single form signed by all three of you.

Here’s how the process typically works in Jones County / Superior Court:

1. Your daughter signs and files her own petition requesting the middle-name change (notarized).

2. Parent/guardian consent form is signed and notarized by one or both parents.

3. File the petition, consent(s), verification, and notice of publication with the Superior Court.

4. The notice is published once a week for 4 weeks (unless waived, which is rare).

5. If no objections are filed, the judge signs the final order. A hearing is usually not required.

If one parent did not consent, that does not automatically stop the change at age 17—the court can still approve it.

PETITION TO CHANGE NAMES OF MINOR CHILD(REN)

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My 17 year daughter wants to change her middle name. Can I use this name change form, and all 3 (my daughter, myself, and my husband) of us sign it?

Lexi, Chatbot

I understand that navigating name changes for your daughter can be a bit complex. Is your daughter looking to change her middle name legally, or is this more of a personal preference?

legally

Lexi, Chatbot

Have you already discussed this name change with your husband, and is he in agreement with the decision?

yes

Andres Sanchez

Hey there! I'm Andres Sanchez, an attorney with many years of experience. Please note, this interaction is for informational purposes only, and no attorney-client relationship is formed. I understand your daughter wants to legally change her middle name. What state are you in?

Georgia

Andres Sanchez

What county?

Jones County; Macon, GA

Andres Sanchez

Let me give you guidance based on Georgia law.

Andres Sanchez

Under O.C.G.A. § 19-12-1, a 17-year-old is treated differently than younger minors:

Your daughter must file her own name-change petition.
Because she is still a minor, a parent or legal guardian must sign a notarized consent.
Courts often prefer both parents sign if both have legal custody, but one custodial parent is generally sufficient.
She cannot use the “minor name change” form meant for children under 14.