NOTE: These instructions are intended as a guideline only. Remember to fill out the County Name (Adams) and the Division of the Court (Probate). The name of the Judge to be used on the forms is Brett M. Spencer. The name of the Magistrate to be used on the forms is David M. Hunter. All forms should be typewritten or legibly printed.
Supreme Court Form 21.2: Application for Change of Name of Minor
Be sure to state the minor’s full legal name (first, middle and last) and full name requested after the change of name (first, middle and last).
You must include your reasons for seeking a change of name.
A copy of the minor’s birth certificate must be attached.
Form AC-007 - Authorization for Background Search (Word | PDF ) - Required for all applications
Supreme Court Form 21.5: Notice of Hearing on Change of Name
Complete all the information requested, except the hearing date which will be filled in by the Court.
Supreme Court Form 21.4: Consent to Change of Name
One form MUST be completed by EACH parent and filed with the Court prior to or at the time of hearing.
Form AC-408 Notice to Parent ( Word | PDF )
This form must be completed if a parent has failed to complete and sign the Consent to Change of Name.
The Applicant must forward this Notice to the non-consenting parent by certified mail, return receipt requested not later than seven days before the hearing.
The return receipt (green card) showing delivery must be attached to a copy of the notice and presented to the Court at the hearing. An Affidavit in Proof of Service will also be required.
AC-418 - Affidavit for Publication - Name Change (Word | PDF) - Must be completed regarding each parent whose address is unknown.
Supreme Court Form 21.3: Judgment Entry - Change of Name of Minor
Fill in everything above the signature line for the Probate Judge. This form must be typed or Computer Generated
At the date and time of the hearing, you should report to the Probate Court and check in at the window. The minor child must be present. The Magistrate will ask you questions regarding the application and will decide whether to grant the name change. Assuming the application is granted, the Judgment Entry – Change of Name of Minor will be filed. If you require certified copies of the JUDGMENT ENTRY – CHANGE OF NAME OF MINOR for Social Security, school, or other purposes, the Clerk will make the copies of the entry and certify the copies at a nominal cost. The Court will send a certified copy of the JUDGMENT ENTRY- CHANGE OF NAME OF MINOR to the OHIO Bureau of Vital Statistics. You must send a certified copy of the JUDGMENT ENTRY- CHANGE OF NAME OF MINOR to the Bureau of Vital Statistics if any other State maintains the birth record
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT PUBLICATION: Ohio Law requires that notice of the application shall be given once by publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the County at least thirty (30) days before the hearing on the application. The NOTICE OF HEARING ON CHANGE OF NAME is for this purpose. The Court will send the NOTICE OF HEARING ON CHANGE OF NAME, however, YOU MUST pay the publication cost DIRECTLY to the newspaper. Failure to pay the Cost of Publication may result in the delay of the hearing and/or dismissal of the case. If the publication is not completed at least thirty (30) days prior to the hearing, the name change cannot be granted and re-publication will be required at additional cost and delay to you.