Title: In Re: Amendments to the Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Forms – Corrected Opinion
Citation: N/A
Docket Number: SC16-1253
State: Florida
Issuer: Florida Supreme Court
Date: October 6, 2016

Supreme Court of Florida 
 
 
______________ 
 
No. SC16-1253 
______________ 
 
 
IN RE:  AMENDMENTS TO THE FLORIDA SUPREME COURT 
APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORMS. 
 
[September 29, 2016] 
CORRECTED OPINION 
 
PER CURIAM. 
 
Pursuant to the procedures approved by this Court in Amendments to the 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure & Family Law Forms, 810 So. 2d 1, 14 
(Fla. 2000), this Court has internally reviewed the Florida Supreme Court 
Approved Family Law Forms and has determined that amendments to forms 
12.982(a), Petition for Change of Name (Adult), 12.982(c), Petition for Change of 
Name (Minor Child(ren)), and 12.982(f), Petition for Change of Name (Family) 
are necessary in light of certain statutory amendments.  Input on these issues was 
received from the Advisory Workgroup on the Florida Supreme Court Approved 
Family Law Forms, which provided valuable assistance. We have jurisdiction.  See 
art. V, § 2(a), Fla. Const. 
 
 
- 2 - 
Section 68.07, Florida Statutes, was amended, effective October 1, 2014, to 
require that the result of a state and national criminal history records check for the 
purposes of obtaining a name change must indicate whether the petitioner has 
registered as a sexual predator or sexual offender.  See ch. 2014-5, § 1, Laws of 
Fla.  Additionally, subsection 68.07(3)(i) requires that petitions for name change 
must state “whether the petitioner has ever been required to register as a sexual 
predator under s. 775.21 or as a sexual offender under s. 943.0435.”  § 68.07(3)(i), 
Fla. Stat. (2014).  The amendments to the forms incorporate this new requirement. 
 
The amended forms are adopted as set forth in the appendix to this opinion, 
fully engrossed, effective for immediate use.  The forms may also be accessed and 
downloaded from the Florida State Court’s website at 
http://www.flcourts.org/resources-and-services/court-improvement/problem-
solving-courts/family-courts/family-law-forms.stml.  By adoption of the amended 
forms, we express no opinion as to their correctness or applicability.  We also 
direct that the new and amended forms be published for comment.  Interested 
persons shall have sixty days from the date of this opinion to file comments with 
the Court.1 
                                          
 
 
1.  All comments must be filed with the Court on or before November 28, 
2016, as well as a separate request for oral argument if the person filing the 
 
 
- 3 - 
It is so ordered. 
LABARGA, C.J., and PARIENTE, LEWIS, QUINCE, CANADY, POLSTON, 
and PERRY, JJ., concur. 
 
THE FILING OF A MOTION FOR REHEARING SHALL NOT ALTER THE 
EFFECTIVE DATE OF THESE AMENDMENTS. 
 
Original Proceeding – Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Forms
                                                                                                                                        
comment wishes to participate in oral argument, which may be scheduled in this 
case.  If filed by an attorney in good standing with The Florida Bar, the comment 
must be electronically filed via the Portal in accordance with In re: Electronic 
Filing in the Supreme Court of Florida via the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal, Fla. 
Admin. Order No. AOSC13-7 (Feb. 18, 2013).  If filed by a non-lawyer or a 
lawyer not licensed to practice in Florida, the comment must be electronically filed 
via e-mail in accordance with In re Mandatory Submission of Electronic Copies of 
Documents, Fla. Admin. Order No. AOSC04-84 (Sept. 13, 2004).  Electronically 
filed documents must be submitted in Microsoft Word 97 or higher.  Any person 
unable to submit a comment electronically must mail or hand deliver the originally 
signed comment to the Florida Supreme Court, Office of the Clerk, 500 South 
Duval Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1927; no additional copies are required or 
will be accepted. 
 
 
Instructions for Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.982(a), Petition for Change of Name (Adult) 
(09/16) 
- 4 - 
INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW 
FORM 12.982(a) 
PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME (ADULT) (09/16) 
 
When should this form be used? 
 
This form should be used when an adult wants the court to change his or her name.  This form is not to 
be used in connection with a dissolution of marriage or for adoption of child(ren).  If you want a change 
of name because of a dissolution of marriage or adoption of child(ren) 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.  
What should I do next? 
 
Unless you are seeking to restore a former name, you must have fingerprints submitted for a state 
and national criminal 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 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 fingerprints 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 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, F.S. 
 
Next, you must obtain a hearing date for the court to consider your request.  If you are seeking to 
restore a former name, a 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 final hearing.  Included in these forms is a Final Judgment of Change of Name 
(Adult), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.982(b), which the judge may use.  You 
should check with the clerk, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant, to see if you need to bring a 
final judgment form with you.  If so, you should type or print the heading, including the circuit, county, 
case number, division, and the parties’ names, and leave the rest blank for the judge to complete at 
 
 
Instructions for Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.982(a), Petition for Change of Name (Adult) 
(09/16) 
- 5 - 
your hearing or trial. 
 
If the judge grants your petition, he or she will sign this order.  This officially changes your 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 
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. 
 
 
 
Instructions for Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.982(a), Petition for Change of Name (Adult) 
(09/16) 
- 6 - 
Special notes... 
 
The heading of the form calls for the name of the petitioner.  Your current name should go there, as you 
are the one who is asking the court for something.  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/or places that will need a copy of your 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. 
 
 
 
 
Instructions for Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.982(a), Petition for Change of Name (Adult) 
(09/16) 
- 7 - 
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE ____________JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, 
IN AND FOR______________________COUNTY, FLORIDA 
 
Case No.: ________________________ 
Division: _________________________ 
 
_______________________________, 
Petitioner. 
 
PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME (ADULT) 
 
I, {full legal name} _________________________________, being sworn, certify that the following 
information is true: 
1. 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 father’s full legal name: __________________________________________________________  
My mother’s full legal name: _________________________________________________________    
My mother’s maiden name: __________________________________________________________  
 
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: _____________________________________ 
 
 
 
Instructions for Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.982(a), Petition for Change of Name (Adult) 
(09/16) 
- 8 - 
____ 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.) 
 
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 [Choose one only] 
 
 
 
Instructions for Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.982(a), Petition for Change of Name (Adult) 
(09/16) 
- 9 - 
          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 
[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. Education 
I have graduated from the following school(s): 
Degree 
   Date of 
Received 
   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.) 
 
 
 
 
Instructions for Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.982(a), Petition for Change of Name (Adult) 
(09/16) 
- 10 - 
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. 
 
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 filed 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 Check 
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. I also understand that the state 
and national records check must indicate whether I have registered as either a sexual predator or 
sexual offender.  
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.  
 
 
 
Instructions for Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.982(a), Petition for Change of Name (Adult) 
(09/16) 
- 11 - 
 
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 PETITIONER 
 
Printed Name: _________________________________  
 
Address:  _____________________________________  
 
City, State, Zip: ________________________________  
 
Telephone Number: _____________________________  
 
Fax Number:  __________________________________  
 
Designated E-Mail Address(es):____________________  
 
_____________________________________________  
 
STATE OF FLORIDA 
COUNTY 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 
deputy clerk.] 
____ 
Personally known 
____ 
Produced identification 
____ 
Type 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. 
This form was completed with the assistance of: 
{name of individual} _____________________________________ 
 
 
 
             , 
{name of business} 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
             , 
{address} ______________________________________________ 
 
 
 
             ,  
{city} ________________, {state}_____,{zip code}_________,{telephone number} __________________
 
 
 
Instructions for Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.982(c), Petition for Change of Name 
(Minor Child(ren)) (09/16) 
- 12 - 
INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY 
LAW FORM 12.982(c) 
PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME (MINOR CHILD(REN)) (09/16) 
 
When should this form be used? 
 
This form should be used when parents want the court to change the name of their minor 
child(ren).  For the purposes of this proceeding, a person under the age of 18 is a minor.  This 
form is not to be used in connection with an adoption, dissolution of marriage, or paternity 
action.  If you want a change of name for your child(ren) because of an adoption or paternity 
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 by one 
Petitioner for one child.  If you wish to change the name of more than one child or if there is 
more than one Petitioner, you should complete and file a Supplemental Form for Petition for 
Change of Name (Minor Child) for each child and/or a Supplemental Form for Petition for 
Change of Name.  The supplemental form(s) is an attachment to the petition.  Be sure that the 
bottom of each page of each supplemental form is initialed by the petitioner(s).   
What should I do next? 
 
Unless you are seeking to restore a former name, each adult petitioner(s)’s fingerprints must 
be 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.  The fingerprints must be 
submitted to the Department of Law Enforcement for a state and national criminal history 
records check.  The Petitioner(s) may not request a hearing on the Petition until the copy of 
the fingerprints are filed and the clerk of court has received the results of the 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 fingerprints electronically to the Department of Law Enforcement.  The 
process may take several weeks and the parent or guardian of the minor must pay the cost of 
processing the fingerprints and conducting the state and national 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. 
 
 
 
Instructions for Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.982(c), Petition for Change of Name 
(Minor Child(ren)) (09/16) 
- 13 - 
 
If both parents agree to the change of name and live in the county where the change of name is 
sought, you may both file as petitioners.  In this situation, service is not necessary, and you 
need only to set a hearing.  You should ask the clerk of court, family law intake staff, or judicial 
assistant about the local procedure for setting a hearing. 
 
If only one parent is a resident of the county where the change of name(s) is sought or only one 
parent asks for the child(ren)’s name(s) to be changed, the other parent must be notified and his 
or her consent obtained, if possible.  If the other parent consents to the change of name, a 
Consent for Change of Name (Minor Child(ren)), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law 
Form 12.982(d), should be filed. 
 
If the other parent does not consent to the change of name, you may still have a hearing on the 
petition 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).  However, the law regarding constructive service is very complex and you may 
wish to consult an attorney regarding that issue. 
 
Next, you must obtain a final hearing date for the court to consider your request.  If you are 
seeking to restore a former name, a 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 (Minor Child(ren)), Florida Supreme Court 
Approved Family Law Form 12.982(e), which may be used when a judge grants a change of 
name for a minor child(ren).  If you attend the hearing, you should take the final judgment with 
you.  You should complete the top part of the form, including the circuit, county, case number, 
division, and 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 
child(ren)’s name(s).  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. 
 
 
 
 
Instructions for Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.982(c), Petition for Change of Name 
(Minor Child(ren)) (09/16) 
- 14 - 
 
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 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 
 
 
 
Instructions for Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.982(c), Petition for Change of Name 
(Minor Child(ren)) (09/16) 
- 15 - 
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 means the parent(s) who 
is (are) requesting the change of their child(ren)’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. 
 
 
 
 
Instructions for Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.982(c), Petition for Change of Name (Minor 
Child(ren)) (09/16) 
- 16 - 
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE                                                       JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, 
IN AND FOR                                                       COUNTY, FLORIDA 
 
Case No.:  
 
Division:  
 
IN RE: THE NAME CHANGE OF 
 
 
                                                                            , 
 Petitioner/Father, 
 
 
                                                                              , 
 Petitioner/Mother. 
 
PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME (MINOR CHILD(REN)) 
 
I/We, {full legal name(s)}  
 
 
 
 
 
 
, being sworn, certify 
that the following information is true: 
 
I am/We are the birth or legal parent(s) or guardian of the minor child(ren) named in this petition. 
[Choose only one] 
a. ____ There is only one minor child named in this petition. 
 
b. ____ There are {enter number of children}  
 
 children named in this petition.  The 
information on the first child is entered below.  I/We have attached the completed 
supplemental forms for each other child. 
 
The adult petitioner(s)’s fingerprints 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 a sexual offender. 
 
A. THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS TRUE ABOUT CHILD # 
      1      : 
 
1. Minor child’s complete present name is: 
 
 
 
I/We request that this minor child’s name be changed to: 
 
 
 
 
 
Instructions for Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.982(c), Petition for Change of Name (Minor 
Child(ren)) (09/16) 
- 17 - 
 
2. The minor child lives in   
 
 County, Florida, at {street address}  
 
 
. 
 
3. The minor child was born on {date}  
 
 
, in {city, county, state, country}  
 
 
. 
 
4. The minor child’s father’s full legal name:  
. 
The minor child’s mother’s full legal name:  
. 
The minor child’s mother’s maiden name:  
. 
 
5. The minor child has 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. [Choose one only] 
_____The minor child is not married. 
_____ The minor child is married to: {full legal name} __________________________________. 
 
 
 
7. [Choose one only] 
_____The minor child has no children. 
_____The minor child is the parent of the following child(ren): {enter full name(s) and date(s) of 
birth}  ___________________________________________________________________. 
 
8. Former names. 
[Indicate all that apply] 
_____The minor child’s name has never been changed by a court. 
 
_____The minor child’s name previously was changed by court order from _______________ 
 
to 
 
 
 on {date} 
 
, by {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. 
 
 
 
Instructions for Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.982(c), Petition for Change of Name (Minor 
Child(ren)) (09/16) 
- 18 - 
 
_____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)} ____________________  
 
_____________________________________________________________________ 
_____.  
9. 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:  
 
. 
 
10. 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. 
 
_____ The minor child _____has _____has not ever been required to register as a sexual 
offender under section 943.0435, Florida Statutes 
 
 
11. 
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       if Paid {date} 
 
                        
 
     
 
                  
 
                _____  
 
 
                        
 
     
 
                  
 
                _____  
 
 
                        
 
     
 
                  
 
                _____  
 
 
                        
 
     
 
                  
 
                _____  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Instructions for Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.982(c), Petition for Change of Name (Minor 
Child(ren)) (09/16) 
- 19 - 
 
 
 
 
B. THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS TRUE ABOUT PETITIONER(S): 
(    ) FATHER (    ) MOTHER (   ) GUARDIAN  
(    ) A Supplemental Form has been attached for the other parent or petitioner. 
 
1. My complete present name is: __________________________________________________. 
2. I live in  ________________ County, Florida, at {street address} ___________________________ 
_________________________________________________________________ 
. 
 
3. 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 filed additional bankruptcies, and explain on an attached 
page.) 
 
4. 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       if Paid {date} 
 
                        
 
     
 
                  
 
                _____  
 
 
                        
 
     
 
                  
 
                _____  
 
 
                        
 
     
 
                  
 
                _____  
 
 
                        
 
     
 
                  
 
                _____  
 
 
5. 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) 
                                                                        
 
                                                                        
 
                                                                        
 
 
 
 
Instructions for Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.982(c), Petition for Change of Name (Minor 
Child(ren)) (09/16) 
- 20 - 
(______ 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. 
 
6. 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. 
 
7. My civil rights have never been suspended, or, if ever suspended, they have been fully restored. 
 
 
 
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 PETITIONER 
 
Printed Name: _________________________________  
 
Address:  _____________________________________  
 
City, State, Zip: ________________________________  
 
Telephone Number: _____________________________  
 
Fax Number:  __________________________________  
 
Designated E-Mail Address(es):____________________  
 
_____________________________________________  
 
STATE OF FLORIDA 
COUNTY OF ____________________ 
 
Sworn to or affirmed and signed before me on ____________ by _______________________________ . 
 
 
 
_____________________________________________  
 
NOTARY PUBLIC or DEPUTY CLERK  
 
 
 
 
Instructions for Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.982(c), Petition for Change of Name (Minor 
Child(ren)) (09/16) 
- 21 - 
_____________________________________________  
[Print, type, or stamp commissioned name of notary or 
deputy clerk.] 
____ 
Personally known 
____ 
Produced identification 
____ 
Type 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. 
This form was completed with the assistance of: 
{name of individual} _____________________________________ 
 
 
 
             , 
{name of business} 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
             , 
{address} ______________________________________________ 
 
 
 
             ,  
{city} ________________, {state}_____,{zip code}_________,{telephone number} __________________ 
 
 
 
Instructions for Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.982(c), Petition for Change of Name (Minor 
Child(ren)) (09/16) 
- 22 - 
 
ADULT SUPPLEMENTAL FORM FOR PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME (MINOR CHILDREN) 
 
Case No.:  ______________________________  
 
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS TRUE ABOUT PETITIONER(S): 
(    ) FATHER  (    ) MOTHER   (    ) GUARDIAN 
 
1. My complete present name is: __________________________________________________ 
 
______________________________________________________________________________ . 
 
2. I live in  ________________ County, Florida, at {street address} ___________________________ 
______________________________________________________________________________. 
 
3. 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 filed additional bankruptcies, and explain on an attached 
page.) 
 
4. 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         if Paid 
{date} 
______ 
    ________ _________      ________________________________ 
       
   
______ 
    ________ _________      ________________________________ 
 
 
         
______ 
    ________ _________      ________________________________ 
 
 
        
______ 
    ________ _________      ________________________________ 
 
 
         
______     ________ 
_________      ________________________________ 
 
 
 
(____ Please indicate here if these facts are continued on an attached page.) 
 
5. 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 
 
 
 
Instructions for Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.982(c), Petition for Change of Name (Minor 
Child(ren)) (09/16) 
- 23 - 
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. 
 
6. 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. 
 
7. My civil rights have never been suspended, or, if ever suspended, they have been fully restored. 
 
 
 
 
 
Instructions for Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.982(c), Petition for Change of Name (Minor 
Child(ren)) (09/16) 
- 24 - 
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 PETITIONER 
 
Printed Name: _________________________________  
 
Address:  _____________________________________  
 
City, State, Zip: ________________________________  
 
Telephone Number: _____________________________  
 
Fax Number:  __________________________________  
 
Designated E-Mail Address(es):____________________  
 
_____________________________________________  
 
STATE OF FLORIDA 
COUNTY 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 
deputy clerk.] 
____ 
Personally known 
____ 
Produced identification 
____ 
Type 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. 
This form was completed with the assistance of: 
{name of individual} _____________________________________ 
 
 
 
             , 
{name of business} 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
             , 
{address} ______________________________________________ 
 
 
 
             ,  
{city} ________________, {state}_____,{zip code}_________,{telephone number} __________________ . 
 
 
 
Instructions for Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.982(c), Petition for Change of Name (Minor 
Child(ren)) (09/16) 
- 25 - 
 
SUPPLEMENTAL FORM FOR PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME (MINOR CHILD(REN)) 
 
Case No.:  
 
 
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS TRUE ABOUT CHILD # 
: 
 
1. Minor child’s complete present name is: 
 
 
 
I/We request that this 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 {date}  
 
 
          , in {city, county, state, country}  
 
. 
 
4. The minor child’s father’s full legal name:  
. 
The minor child’s mother’s full legal name:  
. 
The minor child’s mother’s maiden name:  
. 
 
5. The minor child has lived in the following places since birth: 
Dates (to/from)  
     Address 
 
_______/________ 
______________________________________________________ 
 
_______/________ 
___________________________________________________________ 
______/_________    
___________________________________________________________ 
______/_________ 
___________________________________________________________ 
______/_________ 
___________________________________________________________ 
______/_________ 
___________________________________________________________ 
(_____ Please indicate here if you are continuing these facts on an attached page.) 
 
      MINOR CHILD # ________, continued 
 
 
Instructions for Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.982(c), Petition for Change of Name (Minor 
Child(ren)) (09/16) 
- 26 - 
 
6. [Choose one only] 
_____The minor child is not married. 
_____ The minor child is married to: {full legal name} __________________________________. 
 
 
7. [Choose one only] 
_____The minor child has no children. 
_____The minor child is the parent of the following child(ren): {enter full name(s) and date(s) of 
birth}  ___________________________________________________________________. 
 
8. Former names. 
[Indicate all that apply] 
_____The minor child’s name has never been changed by a court. 
 
_____The minor child’s name previously was changed by court order from _______________ 
 
to  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 on  
{date} 
 
 
, by {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)} ____________________  
 
_____________________________________________________________________ 
 
 
_____________________________________________________________________ 
 
 
 
9. 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:  
 
. 
 
10. 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: 
      MINOR CHILD # ________, continued 
 
 
Instructions for Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.982(c), Petition for Change of Name (Minor 
Child(ren)) (09/16) 
- 27 - 
 
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. 
 
_____  The minor child _____has _____has not ever been required to register as a sexual 
offender under section 943.0435, Florida Statutes 
 
11. 
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 
 
                        
 
     
 
                  
 
               _____  
 
 
                        
 
     
 
                  
 
                _____  
 
 
                        
 
     
 
                  
 
                _____  
 
 
Instructions for Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.982(f), Petition for Change of Name (Family) 
(09/16) 
- 28 - 
INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW 
FORM 12.982(f) 
PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME (FAMILY) (09/16) 
 
When should this form be used? 
 
This form should be used when a 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 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 
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 
 
 
Instructions for Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.982(f), Petition for Change of Name (Family) 
(09/16) 
- 29 - 
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, 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 
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 
 
 
Instructions for Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.982(f), Petition for Change of Name (Family) 
(09/16) 
- 30 - 
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), Supplemental Form for Petition for Change of Name 
(Family) (09/16) 
- 31 - 
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE                                                       JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, 
IN AND FOR                                                       COUNTY, FLORIDA 
 
Case No.:  
 
Division:  
 
IN RE: THE NAME CHANGE OF 
 
                                                                      , 
 
 
          Petitioner/Father, 
 
                                                                      , 
 
 
        Petitioner/Mother. 
 
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 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: 
(    ) HUSBAND (    ) WIFE (   ) 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}  
 
 
. 
 
3. I was born on {date}    
 
, in {city} 
 
 
, {county} 
, 
{state}  
, {country}  
 
. 
 
4. My father’s full legal name:  
. 
 
 
Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.982(f), Supplemental Form for Petition for Change of Name 
(Family) (09/16) 
- 32 - 
My mother’s full legal name:  
. 
My mother’s maiden name:  
. 
 
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.) 
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)}  
 
 
. 
 
 
 
Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.982(f), Supplemental Form for Petition for Change of Name 
(Family) (09/16) 
- 33 - 
 
 
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 
[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}  
. 
 
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. Education 
I have graduated from the following school(s): 
Degree 
      Date of 
Received 
        Graduation  
School 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
(____ Please indicate here if you are continuing these facts on an attached page.) 
 
12. Criminal History 
 
 
Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.982(f), Supplemental Form for Petition for Change of Name 
(Family) (09/16) 
- 34 - 
[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. 
 
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 if Paid 
{date} 
 
      
     
 
     
 
 
 
                  ____ 
 
 
      
     
 
     
 
 
 
                  ____ 
 
 
      
     
 
     
 
 
 
                  ____ 
 
 
      
     
 
     
 
 
 
                  ____ 
 
 
      
     
 
     
 
 
 
                  ____ 
 
(____ Please indicate here if these facts are continued on an attached page.) 
 
15. 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. 
 
16. My civil rights have never been suspended, or, if my civil rights have been suspended, they have 
 
 
Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.982(f), Supplemental Form for Petition for Change of Name 
(Family) (09/16) 
- 35 - 
been fully restored. 
 
 
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 PETITIONER 
 
Printed Name: _________________________________  
 
Address:  _____________________________________  
 
City, State, Zip: ________________________________  
 
Telephone Number: _____________________________  
 
Fax Number:  __________________________________  
 
Designated E-Mail Address(es):____________________  
 
_____________________________________________  
 
STATE OF FLORIDA 
COUNTY 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 
deputy clerk.] 
____ 
Personally known 
____ 
Produced identification 
____ 
Type 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. 
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) (09/16) 
- 36 - 
ADULT SUPPLEMENTAL FORM FOR PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME (FAMILY) 
 
Case No.:  
 
 
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS TRUE ABOUT PETITIONER: 
(    ) HUSBAND (    ) WIFE (   ) GUARDIAN 
 
1. 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 father’s full legal name:  
. 
My mother’s full legal name:  
. 
My mother’s maiden name:  
. 
 
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 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                                                                                                                            
 
 
 
Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.982(f), Supplemental Form for Petition for Change of Name 
(Family) (09/16) 
- 37 - 
(____ 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] 
____ 
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] 
 
 
 
Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.982(f), Supplemental Form for Petition for Change of Name 
(Family) (09/16) 
- 38 - 
____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 of 
Received 
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. 
 
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. 
 
 
 
 
Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.982(f), Supplemental Form for Petition for Change of Name 
(Family) (09/16) 
- 39 - 
  
 
____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. Creditors’ 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 if Paid 
{date} 
 
      
     
 
     
 
 
 
                  ____ 
 
 
      
     
 
     
 
 
 
                  ____ 
 
 
      
     
 
     
 
 
 
                  ____ 
 
 
      
     
 
     
 
 
 
                  ____ 
 
 
      
     
 
     
 
 
 
                  ____ 
 
(____ Please indicate here if you are continuing these facts on an attached page.) 
         
15. 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. 
 
16. 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) (09/16) 
- 40 - 
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 PETITIONER 
 
Printed Name: _________________________________  
 
Address:  _____________________________________  
 
City, State, Zip: ________________________________  
 
Telephone Number: _____________________________  
 
Fax Number:  __________________________________  
 
Designated E-Mail Address(es):____________________  
 
_____________________________________________  
 
STATE OF FLORIDA 
COUNTY 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 
deputy clerk.] 
____ 
Personally known 
____ 
Produced identification 
____ 
Type 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. 
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) (09/16) 
- 41 - 
CHILD SUPPLEMENTAL FORM FOR PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME (FAMILY) 
 
Case No.:  
 
 
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS TRUE ABOUT MINOR CHILD #  
      : 
 
1. 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 father’s full legal name:  
. 
The minor child’s mother’s full legal name:  
. 
The minor child’s mother’s maiden name:  
. 
 
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}  
. 
 
7. [Choose one only] 
____The minor child has no children. 
____The minor child is the parent of the following child(ren): {enter name(s) and date(s) 
of birth}  
. 
 
8. 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}  
                                                                                                
. 
 
 
 
Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.982(f), Supplemental Form for Petition for Change 
of Name (Family) (09/16) 
- 42 - 
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)} _________  
____________________________________________________________________  
____________________________________________________________________ . 
 
9. 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: _____________________________________________________________  
_______________________________________________________________________. 
 
10. 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. 
 
_____ The minor child _____has _____has not ever been required to register as a sexual 
offender under section 943.0435, Florida Statutes. 
 
11. 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   if Paid 
{date} 
______ 
________ _________      ________________________________       
 
   
 
 
 
Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.982(f), Supplemental Form for Petition for Change 
of Name (Family) (09/16) 
- 43 - 
______ 
________ _________      ________________________________ 
 
 
 
(_____Please indicate here if you are continuing these facts on an attached page.)