Opinion ID: 2514072
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: facts

Text: ¶ 2 David Lynn Porter petitioned the district court to change his name to Santa Claus pursuant to section 42-1-1 of the Utah Code. On August 10, 2000, the district court conducted a hearing at which Porter appeared with counsel and presented evidence in support of his petition. Porter testified he desired to be known as Santa Claus for purposes of business and charity work. After the hearing, the district court issued a Memorandum Decision and Order dated August 16, 2000, denying Porter's request. The court found no improper purpose or inappropriate intention on the part of the petitioner, and concluded there was no legal reason why the request should be denied. Nonetheless, the district court denied the petition. In support of this decision, the court said that permitting Porter to change his name to Santa Claus would likely create confusion, misunderstanding, ... allow for substantial mischief, and might cause a substantial chilling effect for a person or entity otherwise entitled to exercise their access to the courts, who would be faced with the prospect of suing Santa Claus. ¶ 3 Porter asked the court to reconsider its order denying the petition to change his name to Santa Claus, or alternatively to allow him to change his name to Kris Kringle. This request was denied for the same reasons as the prior petition. Porter appeals.