Can I change my stepchild's first name during adoption in California?

Yes — you can change the child's first name, middle name, and/or last name as part of the adoption in California. No separate name change petition is needed.

How it works:

• In the Petition for Adoption filed with the Superior Court, you specify the desired name for the child after adoption
• The judge approves the name change as part of the adoption order
• The new birth certificate from California Department of Public Health Vital Records reflects the new name

Options:

• Change last name only — most common (child takes stepparent's surname)
• Change first name — less common but allowed
• Change middle name — some families add the biological parent's surname as a middle name
• Hyphenate last name — combine both surnames
• Keep the current name — completely fine, no change required

Considerations for first name changes:

• If the child is old enough to have an identity with their name, discuss it with them first
• Children age 12+ must consent to the adoption (Cal. Fam. Code § 8602), which includes the name change
• The court will consider the child's preference

There is no additional cost — the name change is included in the adoption proceedings and our $349 document preparation fee.

Indicate your preference on the questionnaire and we prepare all documents with the correct name.