Name Change

questions & answers

Question: I am married with one child and carry my maiden name. I would like to hyphenate our daughters last name to show my maiden name and her father's last name. Can I do that?

Answer: This is for informational purposes only, you may want to consult an attorney for advice. Under A.R.S. 12-601. Application; venue; judgment; sealing of record B. The parent, guardian ad litem or next friend of a minor may file an application for change of the name of the minor in the county of the minor's residence. The court shall consider the best interests of the minor and the criteria that apply to the minor under subsection C of this section in determining whether to enter judgment that the name of the minor be changed. If the child is less than a year old the process can be handled by the Arizona Department of Health Services. More information about both process can be found here: http://www.azdhs.gov/licensing/vital-records/index.php#corrections-amendments-childs-name