And now for those who pretend to know what the hell they're talking about.
The process for obtaining a name change for a minor in the State of Ohio begins with the filing of an application with the
Probate Court in the jurisdiction in which the minor resides. The Application is filed by a parent, legal guardian or guardian ad litem on behalf of the minor. The Application informs the Court of the minor's name, the name the Petitioner wishes the minor to adopt, and the reasons for the requested change of name.
After the Application is filed and the required fee is paid, the Court will set the Petition for a hearing. The Petitioner is required to give
public notice of the relief requested and the date of the hearing in a local newspaper of general circulation. The notice must be published once at least thirty (30) days prior to the hearing on the application.
Upon proof that
proper notice was given and that the facts set forth in the application show reasonable and proper cause for changing the name of the applicant, the court may order the change of name.
The court must find that (1) there is reasonable and proper cause established for the change of name; and (2) the requested name change is consistent with the public interest. A person is not allowed to change the name of a minor in order to avoid judgments or legal actions against him or her, or to avoid debts and obligations. A person can not change the name of a minor to defraud any person.
(B) An application for change of name may be made on behalf of a minor by either of the minor's parents, a legal guardian, or a guardian ad litem. When application is made on behalf of a minor, in addition to the notice and proof required pursuant to division (A) of this section, the consent of both living, legal parents of the minor shall be filed, or notice of the hearing shall be given to the parent or parents not consenting by certified mail, return receipt requested. If there is no known father of the minor, the notice shall be given to the person who the mother of the minor alleges to be the father. If no father is so alleged, or if either parent or the address of either parent is unknown, notice pursuant to division (A) of this section shall be sufficient as to the father or parent.
Any additional notice required by this division may be waived in writing by any person entitled to the notice. [Title XXVII Courts - General Provisions - Special Remedies, Chapter 2717 Change of Name, § 2717.01.]
Now do you finally GET IT?