Court Opinion

ID: 9733257
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-26 17:00:22.405766+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:26:39.999678
License: Public Domain

WAHL, Justice
(dissenting).
I must respectfully dissent. The application of the standard set out by this court in Robinson v. Hansel, 302 Minn. 34, 223 N.W.2d 138 (1974), for granting a change of a minor’s surname to that of a stepfather over the objection of the natural father is inappropriate where the change sought is to use the surnames of both natural parents to form the child’s surname.
Minn.Stat. § 259.11 (1980) specifies that a change of name for a minor will be granted unless the court finds that the change is not in the best interest of the child. In interpreting that statute in light of the Robinson facts, where the name change proposed would have eliminated the use of the children’s given surname, which was the surname of their natural father, we held that “judicial discretion in ordering a change of the minor’s surname * * * should be exercised with great caution and only where the evidence is clear and compelling that the substantial welfare of the child necessitates such change.” Id. at 36, 223 N.W.2d at 140.
The policy considerations which led to the formulation of a standard requiring such a high burden of proof were (1) that the change in name might weaken the bond between the child and the noncustodial parent whose name the child bore, (2) that the parent’s natural and appropriate desire was to have his children bear his name, and (3) that it was desirable for a child to know his parentage. Id. The same considerations do not support such a standard, however, when a parent seeks to change the child’s surname so that no natural parent’s name would be eliminated but both names would form the child’s surname. The mother's interest in having her children bear and perpetuate her surname should be recognized as coextensive with the father’s interest, as are other parental rights and responsibilities, such as custody and support. See Minn.Stat. § 518.17 (1980). Nor is there reason to believe, on the record before us, that the love and affection Frederick Dennis has for his children or the concern and support he gives them would be diminished in any way if they bore his name along with that of their mother as they wish to do.
The Robinson standard imposes an undue burden on the petitioner when the proposed name change would not eliminate the use of a natural parent’s name but would add the name of the other natural parent. In this situation, instead of being required to show that the name change is necessary for the substantial welfare of the child, the peti*303tioner should be required to show only that the name change promotes the child’s best interests. Thus, a change of the minor’s surname would be appropriate where the change is beneficial for the child, even though the given name is not detrimental to the child’s well-being.
I would reverse and remand for a determination of the best interests of Robert and Jessica in regard to the proposed name change. The testimony of the children should be received.