Change your child's name to match their gender identity (when 1 or more parents aren't signing the request)
You start the process of changing your child's name to match their gender identity by filling out court forms.
️ These instructions are only for situations where 1 or more parent won't sign the petition. You'll need to follow different instructions if all parents are going to sign the name change petition.
️ All court form links open in a new tab.
How to fill out your court forms
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Fill out forms
Fill out these forms:
- Petition for Change of Name to Conform to Gender Identity (form NC-200)
Sometimes more than two parents need to sign form NC-200. This can happen when a child has more than two legal parents. For example, a child may have two biological parents and one adoptive parent, or a judge decided a child has more than 2 legal parents.
If more than two parents are signing, follow these steps:
1. In item 3, check "Other" and write the number of parents signing, like "three parents."
2. On page 2, check "Add additional signature lines for additional petitioners."
3. Fill out form MC-025. Have each additional parent sign, print their name, and add the date.
4. Attach the completed form MC-025 to form NC-200. - Order to Show Cause—Change of Name to Conform to Gender Identity (form NC-225)
- Decree Changing Name (200 Series) (form NC-230)
- Civil Case Cover Sheet (form CM-010)
You will need to pay a fee when you file the forms ($435 - $450). If you can't afford the fee, fill out another form to ask for a fee waiver ️ (link opens in a new tab).
If you prefer, you can use an online program to fill the forms out. You'll have to print the forms to file them with the court, or, if your court allows it, you can file them online (e-file). Check your local court's website to see if they allow e-filing.
️ Starting July 1, 2026, courts will automatically keep your petition and related court records private in most cases. If you filed before July 1, 2026, you can still ask the court to make your records private.
- Petition for Change of Name to Conform to Gender Identity (form NC-200)
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Find out if you have any local forms to fill out
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Some courts also have local forms you have to use.
- Check with your court clerk’s office or your court's website ️ or talk to your self-help center ️ to ask if they have any local forms you need to use.
- Your self-help center may also be able to review your forms before you file them.
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Make copies
- Make at least 2 copies of all of your forms.
- When you file them, the court will keep the original and return the copies to you, stamped.
- One copy is for you. The extra copies are to serve your child's other parent(s).
Change a child's name to match gender
What's next?
Once you’ve completed the forms, you’ll file them with the court clerk.
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Go back to an overview
Return to an overview of the whole process for legally changing the name of a child to match their gender identity when not all the parents are signing the request.
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Send this page to yourself
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Go to the next step
Get step-by-step instructions for filing your forms with the court.