In the case of a minor, a parent, guardian or someone else with standing to act on the child's behalf must file the petition. Regardless of whether you change your name informally or formally, you must let others know about the change. This includes not only your friends and relatives, but also government agencies, financial and medical institutions, and clubs and organizations. In general, courts will grant a name change request provided the petitioner has no fraudulent intent, such as to avoid debt or to impersonate someone. For example, a person cannot adopt the name of a celebrity.
Many states also place restrictions on name changes by convicted felons, particularly sex offenders.
Some states require you to publish your new name in a newspaper to give others the opportunity to object to your name change. If a person can show good cause for the name to be rejected, the court will deny the petition. Work with an experienced lawyer in your state.