When a name change is sought for a minor, any parent or adult who retains parental or custodial rights over a minor has a right to be notified and must provide consent or a waiver of consent to legal actions regarding the minor. The general rule is that both parents must consent to a name change for a minor. As a result, there could be controversy over whether the minor’s name should be changed, and a hearing in front of a judge is likely. Ultimately as stated above, the judge will decide what is in the best interest of the child. Therefore, the reason for the change should be significant, such as adoption or bringing a stepchild into a family.