How do I change my child's name, what are the costs involved, and how long does it take to get the name changed?
The action begins with a petition for legal name change. The party requesting the name change for a child will create their own petition for the name change. A certified copy of the child's birth certificate must accompany the petition.
For further rules and instructions refer to the Iowa Judicial Branch website
The clerk does not have paperwork to provide for a minor's legal name change. Please refer to section 674 of the Iowa code for information regarding a legal name change. It may be obtained through the Internet at https://www.legis.iowa.gov.
If the father's name is on the birth certificate of the child, he must be served notice of the action. See the code for further explanation.
After the 30 day waiting period has expired, the individual requesting the name change must present the name change decree to the court for approval. This may be done Monday to Friday at 8:30am - 9:00am or at 1:30pm - 2:00pm.