F O R Y O U R I N F O R M A T I O N
NAME CHANGES FOR CHILDREN IN
LEGAL GUARDIANSHIPS
On July 7, 2000, Assembly Bill 2155 was signed into law by the Governor allowing a child’s legal guardian to petition the court to change a child’s name. The new law states that the legal guardian is to provide the court with specific information as to why it is in the child’s best interests to change names. In addition, the legal guardian is to provide the court with the proposed name change, the names and addresses of parents and to effect proper notice.The Juvenile Court Hearing Officer must make a decision to grant the name change of the child based on two conditions. First, (s)he must consider the likelihood that the child will remain under the guardian’s care until the child reaches the age of majority and will not likely be returned to the custody of his or her parents. Secondly, (s)he must consider what is in the child’s best interests. The decision to change the name of a child under legal guardianship no longer requires the consent of the parents.
Although the new law does not require our Department to respond to petitions for name changes, Hearing Officers could make orders that impact CSWs. CSWs could be required to investigate the validity of the information that is provided to the court by the legal guardian, make assessments, recommendations and provide proper notice if ordered to do so by the court.
It is anticipated that only a small number of petitions will be filed by legal guardians to change a child’s name. However, if you are ordered by the court to respond to a petition that requests a child’s name be changed, please contact County Counsel for instructions on how to proceed.
/ / CONTACT:Lori Mitchell (213) 351-5712
APPROVED:______
Beverly Muench, Deputy Director