Instructions for Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.982(f), Petition for Change of Name (Family)
(02/18)
INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW
FORM 12.982(f)
PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME (FAMILY) (02/18)
When should this form be used?
This form should be used when the parents are married and the family wants the court to change its
name. This form is not to be used in connection with a dissolution of marriage, paternity, or adoption
action. If you want a change of name because of a dissolution of marriage, paternity, or adoption action
that is not yet final, the change of name should be requested as part of that case.
This form should be typed or printed in black ink and must be signed before a notary public or deputy
clerk. You should file the original with the clerk of the circuit court in the county where you live and
keep a copy for your records. The petition should only be completed for one adult. If you wish to change
the name(s) of another adult and/or any child(ren), you should complete and file with the clerk of court
the attached Adult and Child Supplemental Form(s) for Petition for Change of Name (Family) for each
additional family member. Be sure that the bottom of each page of each supplemental form is
initialed.
What should I do next?
Unless you are seeking to restore a former name, each adult petitioner must have fingerprints
submitted for a state and national criminal history records check. The fingerprints must be taken in a
manner approved by the Department of Law Enforcement and must be submitted to the Department
for a state and national criminal history records check. You may not request a hearing on the petition
until the clerk of court has received the results of your criminal history records check. The clerk of
court can instruct you on the process for having the fingerprints taken and submitted, including
information on law enforcement agencies or service providers authorized to submit finger prints
electronically to the Department of Law Enforcement. The process may take several weeks and you will
have to pay for the cost of processing the fingerprints and conducting the state and national criminal
history records check. Please note that the state and national criminal records check must indicate
whether you have registered as either a sexual predator or a sexual offender and you must also
indicate on this petition whether you have ever been required to register as a sexual predator under
section 775.21, Florida Statutes, or as a sexual offender under section 943.0435, Florida Statutes.If any of the children for whom you are requesting this change of name are not the legal children of both
adults filing this petition, you must obtain the consent of the legal parent(s). A parent not named as a
petitioner in this action may consent by submitting a Consent for Change of Name (Minor Child(ren)) ,
Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.982(d).
If the other parent does not consent to the change of name, you may still have a hearing on the petition
Instructions for Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.982(f), Petition for Change of Name (Family)
(02/18)if you have properly notified the other parent about your petition and the hearing. If you know where
he or she lives, you must use personal service. If you absolutely do not know where he or she lives, you
may use constructive service. For more information about personal and constructive service, you should
refer to the “General Instructions for Self-Represented Litigants” found at the beginning of these forms
and the instructions to Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Forms 12.910(a) and 12.913(b) and
Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.913(a). The law on constructive service is very
complex and you may wish to consult an attorney regarding constructive service.
Next, you must obtain a final hearing date for the court to consider your request. If you are seeking to
restore a former name, the final hearing on the petition MAY be held immediately after the petition is
filed. The final hearing on any other petition for a name change may be held immediately after the clerk
of court receives the results of your criminal history records check. You should ask the clerk of court,
family law intake staff, or judicial assistant about the local procedure for setting a hearing. You may be
required to attend the hearing. Included in these forms is a Final Judgment of Change of Name (Family),
Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.982(g), which may be used when a judge grants a
change of name for a family. If you attend the hearing, you should take the final judgment form with
you. You should complete the top part of this form, including the circuit, county, case number, division,
the name(s) of the petitioner(s) and leave the rest blank for the judge to complete. It should be typed or
printed in black ink.
If the judge grants your petition, he or she will sign this order. This officially changes your family’s
name. The clerk can provide you with certified copies of the signed order. There will be charges for the
certified copies, and the clerk can tell you the amount of the charges.
Where can I look for more information?
Before proceeding, you should read “General Information for Self-Represented Litigants” found at the
beginning of these forms. For further information, see section 68.07, Florida Statutes. IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E-FILING The Florida Rules of Judicial Administration now require that all petitions, pleadings, and documents be
filed electronically except in certain circumstances. Self-represented litigants may file petitions or other
pleadings or documents electronically; however, they are not required to do so. If you choose to file
your pleadings or other documents electronically, you must do so in accordance with Florida Rule of
Judicial Administration 2.525, and you must follow the procedures of the judicial circuit in which you file.
The rules and procedures should be carefully read and followed. IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E-SERVICE ELECTION After the initial service of process of the petition or supplemental petition by the Sheriff or certified
process server, the Florida Rules of Judicial Administration now require that all documents required or
permitted to be served on the other party must be served by electronic mail (e-mail) except in certain
Instructions for Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.982(f), Petition for Change of Name (Family)
(02/18)circumstances. You must strictly comply with the format requirements set forth in the Rules of Judicial
Administration. If you elect to participate in electronic service, which means serving or receiving
pleadings by electronic mail (e-mail), or through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal, you must review
Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516. You may find this rule at www.flcourts.org through the link
to the Rules of Judicial Administration provided under either Family Law Forms: Getting Started, or Rules
of Court in the A-Z Topical Index.
SELF-REPRESENTED LITIGANTS MAY SERVE DOCUMENTS BY E-MAIL; HOWEVER, THEY ARE NOT
REQUIRED TO DO SO. If a self-represented litigant elects to serve and receive documents by e-mail, the
procedures must always be followed once the initial election is made.To serve and receive documents by e-mail, you must designate your e-mail addresses by using the
Designation of Current Mailing and E-mail Address , Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form
12.915, and you must provide your e-mail address on each form on which your signature appears.
Please CAREFULLY read the rules and instructions for: Certificate of Service (General), Florida Supreme
Court Approved Family Law Form 12.914; Designation of Current Mailing and E-mail Address, Florida
Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915; and Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516.
Special notes...
The heading of the form calls for the name(s) of the petitioner(s). This is (are) the parent(s) who is/are
requesting the change of their family’s name(s). The judicial circuit, case number, and division may be
obtained from the clerk of court’s office when you file the petition.
It may be helpful to compile a list of all of the people and places that will need a copy of the final
judgment. This list may include the driver’s license office, social security office, banks, schools, etc. A list
will help you know how many copies of your order you should get from the clerk of court after your
hearing.Remember, a person who is NOT an attorney is called a nonlawyer. If a nonlawyer helps you fill out
these forms, that person must give you a copy of a Disclosure from Nonlawyer, Florida Family Law Rules
of Procedure Form 12.900(a), before he or she helps you. A nonlawyer helping you fill out these forms
also must put his or her name, address, and telephone number on the bottom of the last page of every
form he or she helps you complete.
Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.982(f), Form for Petition for Change of Name (Family)
(02/18) IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR COUNTY, FLORIDA Case No.: Division: IN RE: THE NAME CHANGE OF________________________________________ Petitioner,________________________________________ Petitioner.
PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME (FAMILY)
I/We, {full legal name(s)} ____________________________________________________, being sworn,certify that the following information is true:There are {enter number} __ adults named in this petition. A supplemental form is attached for
each adult not set out below.
There are {enter number} __ children named in this petition. I am/We are the birth or legal
parents or guardian of the minor child(ren) named in this petition. I/We have attached a completed
supplemental form for each minor child.
Unless I am/We are seeking to restore a former name, a copy of the fingerprints of each adult person
seeking a name change in this petition has/have been taken in a manner approved by the Department of
Law Enforcement, and submitted for a state and national criminal history records check. I/We
understand that I/we cannot request a hearing on my/our Petition until the clerk of court receives the
results of the criminal history records check. I/We also understand that the state and national records
check must indicate whether I/We have registered as either a sexual predator or sexual offender.THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS TRUE ABOUT PETITIONER ________________________________:_____PARENT _____GUARDIAN_____ A Supplemental Form has been attached for the other parent or petitioner.1. My complete present name is: . I request that my name be changed to: . 2.I live in ________________ County, Florida, at {street address}
Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.982(f), Form for Petition for Change of Name (Family)
(02/18) . 3.I was born on {date} , in {city} , {county} ,{state} , {country} .4.My parents’ full legal names are:a. {full legal name}____________________________________ and b. {full legal name} ________________________________c.{If applicable} My parents’ maiden name(s) is/are: ______________________and _______________________________________________.5.I have lived in the following places since birth: Dates (to/from) Address //////// (____ Please indicate here if you are continuing these facts on an attached page.)6.Family [Indicate all that apply]_____ I am not married._____ I am married. My spouse’s full legal name is: ._____ I do not have child(ren)._____The name(s), age(s), and address(es) of my child(ren) are as follows (all children, including
those over 18, must be listed):Name {last, first, middle initial} Age Address, City, State(____ Please indicate here if you are continuing these facts on an attached page.)
Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.982(f), Form for Petition for Change of Name (Family)
(02/18)7.Former Names[Indicate all that apply]____My name has never been changed by a court.____My name previously was changed by court order from to on {date} ,by {court, city, and state} .A copy of the court order is attached._____My name previously was changed by marriage from to on {date} ,in {city, county, and state} .A copy of the marriage certificate is attached._____I have never been known or called by any other name._____I have been known or called by the following other name(s): {list name(s) and explain
where you were known or called by such name(s)} . 8.OccupationMy occupation is: .I am employed at: {company and address} . During the past 5 years, I have had the following jobs:Dates (to/from) Employer and employer’s address ////// (____ Please indicate here if you are continuing these facts on an attached page.)9.Business[Choose one only]____I do not own and operate a business.____I own and operate a business. The name of the business is: .The street address is: .My position with the business is: .I have been involved with the business since: {date} .
Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.982(f), Form for Petition for Change of Name (Family)
(02/18)10.Profession [Choose one only] ____I am not in a profession.____I am in a profession. My profession is: .I have practiced this profession: Dates (to/from) Place and address _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ (____ Please indicate here if you are continuing these facts on an attached page.)11.EducationI have graduated from the following school(s): Degree Date ofReceived Graduation School (____ Please indicate here if you are continuing these facts on an attached page.).12.Criminal History[Indicate all that apply]_____ I have never been arrested for or charged with, pled guilty or nolo contendere to, or
have been found to have committed a criminal offense, regardless of adjudication._____ I have a criminal history. In the past I have been arrested for or charged with, pled
guilty or nolo contendere to, or been found to have committed a criminal offense,
regardless of adjudication. The details of my criminal history are:Date City/State Event (arrest, charge, plea, or adjudication)(_____ Please indicate here if you are continuing these facts on an attached page.)I _____ have ____have not ever been required to register as a sexual predator under section
775.21, Florida Statutes.I _____ have ______have not ever been required to register as a sexual offender under section
943.0435, Florida Statutes.
Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.982(f), Form for Petition for Change of Name (Family)
(02/18)13.Bankruptcy[Choose one only] ____ I have never been adjudicated bankrupt. ____I was adjudicated bankrupt on {date} , in {city} ,{county} , {state} .(____ Please indicate here if you have had additional bankruptcies, and explain on an attached
page.)14. Creditor’s Judgments [Choose one only]____I have never had a money judgment entered against me by a creditor.____The following creditor(s)’ money judgment(s) have been entered against me:Date Amount Creditor Court entering judgment and case number {date} if Paid ____ ____ ____ ____ (____ Please indicate here if these facts are continued on an attached page.)15.Fingerprints and Criminal History Records CheckUnless I am seeking to restore a former name, a copy of my fingerprints has been taken in a
manner approved by the Department of Law Enforcement and submitted for a state and
national criminal history records check. I understand that I cannot request a hearing on my
Petition until the Clerk of Court receives the results of the criminal history records check.16. I have no ulterior or illegal purpose for filing this petition, and granting it will not in any
manner invade the property rights of others, whether partnership, patent, goodwill, privacy,
trademark, or otherwise.17. My civil rights have never been suspended, or, if my civil rights have been suspended, they
have been fully restored.
Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.982(f), Form for Petition for Change of Name (Family)
(02/18)I understand that I am swearing or affirming under oath to the truthfulness of the claims made in this
petition and that the punishment for knowingly making a false statement includes fines and/or
imprisonment.Dated: Signature of PetitionerPrinted Name: Address: City, State, Zip: Telephone Number: Fax Number: Designated E-Mail Address(es):_________________________________________________________________STATE OF FLORIDACOUNTY OF Sworn to or affirmed and signed before me on by .NOTARY PUBLIC or DEPUTY CLERK[Print, type, or stamp commissioned name of notary or
clerk.]_____ Personally known_____Produced identificationType of identification produced IF A NONLAWYER HELPED YOU FILL OUT THIS FORM, HE/SHE MUST FILL IN THE BLANKS BELOW: [fill in all blanks] This form was prepared for the Petitioner(s).This form was completed with the assistance of:{name of individual} __________________________________________________________________,{name of business}_____________________________________________________________________,{address} _______________________________________________________________, {city} ________________,{state} , {zip code}_________, {telephone number} .
Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.982(f), Supplemental Form for Petition for Change of Name
(Family) (02/18)ADULT SUPPLEMENTAL FORM FOR PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME (FAMILY) Case No.: ___________THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS TRUE ABOUT PETITIONER______________________________:_____ PARENT _____ GUARDIAN1.My complete present name is: . I request that my name be changed to: . 2.I live in County, Florida, at {street address} . 3.I was born on {date} , in {city} , {county} ,{state} , {country} .4.My parents’ full legal names are:a. {full legal name} _________________________________ and.b. {full legal name} .c.{If applicable} My parents’ maiden name(s) is/are: _____________________ and
_________________________________________.5.I have lived in the following places since birth:Dates (to/from) Address ///////// (____ Please indicate here if you are continuing these facts on an attached page.)6.Family [Indicate all that apply]_____ I am not married._____I am married. My spouse’s full legal name is: ._____ I do not have child(ren)._____The name(s), age(s), and address(es) of my child(ren) are as follows (all children, including
those over 18, must be listed):
Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.982(f), Supplemental Form for Petition for Change of Name
(Family) (02/18) Name {last, first, middle initial} Age Address, City, State(____ Please indicate here if you are continuing these facts on an attached page.)7.Former Names[Indicate all that apply]____My name has never been changed by a court.____My name previously was changed by court order from______________________________to on {date}by {court, city, and state} .A copy of the court order is attached.____My name previously was changed by marriage from _______________________________to on {date}in {city, county, and state} .A copy of the marriage certificate is attached.____I have never been known or called by any other name.____I have been known or called by the following other name(s): {list name(s) and explain
where you were known or called by such name(s)} _____________________________________8. Occupation My occupation is: .I am employed at: {company and address} . During the past 5 years, I have had the following jobs:Dates (to/from) Employer and employer’s address / / / / / / /(____ Please indicate here if you are continuing these facts on an attached page.)9.Business[Indicate all that apply]
PETITIONER # , continuedFlorida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.982(f), Supplemental Form for Petition for Change of Name
(Family) (02/18)____I do not own and operate a business.____ I own and operate a business. The name of the business is: .The street address is: .My position with the business is: .I have been involved with the business since: {date} .10.Profession [Indicate all that apply]____I am not in a profession.____I am in a profession. My profession is: .I have practiced this profession:Dates (to/from) Place and address ///// (___ Please indicate here if you are continuing these facts on an attached page.)11. Education I have graduated from the following school(s):Degree Date ofReceived Graduation School (___ Please indicate here if you are continuing these facts on an attached page.)12. Criminal History[Indicate all that apply]____I have never been arrested for or charged with, pled guilty or nolo contendere to, or been
found to have committed a criminal offense, regardless of adjudication.____I have a criminal history. In the past I have been arrested for or charged with, pled guilty or
nolo contendere to, or been found to have committed a criminal offense, regardless of
adjudication. The details of my criminal history are:Date City/State Event (arrest, charge, plea, or adjudication)(_____ Please indicate here if you are continuing these facts on an attached page.)I _____ have ____have not ever been required to register as a sexual predator under section
775.21, Florida Statutes.
Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.982(f), Supplemental Form for Petition for Change of Name
(Family) (02/18)I _____ have ______have not ever been required to register as a sexual offender under section
943.0435, Florida Statutes.13.Bankruptcy[Choose one only]____I have never been adjudicated bankrupt.____I was adjudicated bankrupt on {date} , in {city} ,{county} , {state} .(___ Please indicate here if you have had additional bankruptcies, and explain on an attached
page.)14. Creditor’s Judgments[Choose one only]____I have never had a money judgment entered against me by a creditor.____The following creditor(s)’ money judgment(s) have been entered against me: Date Amount Creditor Court entering judgment and case number {date} if Paid ___ ___ ___ ___(____ Please indicate here if these facts are continued on an attached page.)15.Unless I am seeking to restore a former name, a copy of my fingerprints has been taken in a
manner approved by the Department of Law Enforcement and submitted for a state and
national criminal history records check. I understand that I cannot request a hearing on my
Petition until the Clerk of Court receives the results of the criminal history records check.16.I have no ulterior or illegal purpose for filing this petition, and granting it will not in any manner
invade the property rights of others, whether partnership, patent, good will, privacy, trademark,
or otherwise.17. My civil rights have never been suspended, or, if my civil rights have been suspended, they have
been fully restored.
Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.982(f), Supplemental Form for Petition for Change of Name
(Family) (02/18)I understand that I am swearing or affirming under oath to the truthfulness of the claims made in this
petition and that the punishment for knowingly making a false statement includes fines and/or
imprisonment.Dated: ________________________ _____________________________________________Signature of PetitionerPrinted Name: Address: City, State, Zip: Telephone Number: Fax Number: Designated E-Mail Address(es):_________________________________________________________________STATE OF FLORIDACOUNTY OF Sworn to or affirmed and signed before me on by NOTARY PUBLIC or DEPUTY CLERK[Print, type, or stamp commissioned name of notary or
clerk.] Personally known Produced identificationType of identification produced IF A NONLAWYER HELPED YOU FILL OUT THIS FORM, HE/SHE MUST FILL IN THE BLANKS BELOW: [fill in all blanks] This form was prepared for the Petitioner(s).This form was completed with the assistance of:{name of individual} _________________________________________________________________,{name of business}_____________________________________________________________________,{address} _______________________________________________________________, {city} ____________________ ,{state} ____, {zip code}______, {telephone number} .
Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.982(f), Supplemental Form for Petition for Change
of Name (Family) (02/18) CHILD SUPPLEMENTAL FORM FOR PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME (FAMILY) Case No.: THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS TRUE ABOUT MINOR CHILD # :1.The minor child’s complete present name is:I/We request that minor child’s name be changed to:2.The minor child lives in County, Florida, at {street address} . 3.The minor child was born on , in {city, county, state, country} . 4.The minor child’s parents’ full legal names are:a. _______________________________________________________ and.b._______________________________________________________.c.{If applicable} The minor child’s parents’ maiden name(s) is/are:________________________and _____________________________.5.The minor child has lived in the following places since birth:Dates (to/from) Address /////// (____ Please indicate here if continuing these facts on an attached page.)6.[Choose one only] _____The minor child is not married _____The minor child is married to: {full legal name} . [Choose one only] ____The minor child has no children.____The minor child is the parent of the following child(ren): Name {last, first, middle initial} Date of Birth_____________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________
Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.982(f), Supplemental Form for Petition for Change
of Name (Family) (02/18) __________________________________________________________________________ (______Please indicate here if you are continuing these facts on an attached page. ) 7. Former Names[Indicate all that apply]_____The minor child’s name has never been changed by court order._____The minor child’s name previously was changed by court order from __________to on {date} __________________ {court, city, and state} .A copy of the court order is attached.____ The minor child’s name previously was changed by marriage from ______________to on {date} __________,
in {city, county, and state} .
A copy of the marriage certificate is attached.____The minor child has never been known or called by any other name.____The minor child has been known or called by the following other name(s): {list
name(s) and explain where child was known or called by such name(s)} _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________. 8. The minor child is not employed in an occupation or profession, does not own and
operate a business, and has received no educational degrees. If the minor child has a
job, explain:
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 9. Criminal History[Indicate all that apply]____ The minor child has never been arrested for or charged with, pled guilty or nolo
contendere to, or been found to have committed a criminal offense, regardless of
adjudication.____The minor child has a criminal history. In the past, the minor child was arrested for
or charged with, pled guilty or nolo contendere to, or been found to have
committed a criminal offense, regardless of adjudication. The details of the criminal
history are:Date City/State Event (arrest, charge, plea, or adjudication)(_____ Please indicate here if you are continuing these facts on an attached page.)_____ The minor child _____ has _____has not ever been required to register as a
sexual predator under section 775.21, Florida Statutes.
Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.982(f), Supplemental Form for Petition for Change
of Name (Family) (02/18)_____ The minor child _____has _____has not ever been required to register as a sexual
offender under section 943.0435, Florida Statutes. 10. Money Judgments [Choose one only]____ The minor child has never been adjudicated bankrupt, and no money judgment has
ever been entered against him or her.____ The following money judgment(s) has been entered against him or her:Date Amount Creditor Court entering judgment and case number {date} if Paid _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________(_____ Please indicate here if you are continuing these facts on an attached page.)
