Changing Your Name
Wis. Stat. 786.36 — a petition in the county of residence, with the notice published
Any Wisconsin resident, adult or minor, may petition the circuit court of the county of residence to change or establish a name. With a copy of the required notice filed, with proof it was published, the court may order the change if no sufficient cause is shown against it.
A child under 14. For a minor under 14 the petition is made by both parents if living, or the survivor; by the guardian or custodian if both parents have died or lost their rights; or by the mother of a nonmarital child whose paternity has not been established.
One parent may petition alone when the other is served and does not appear or answer, or cannot be found with reasonable diligence. A parent who appears and shows they have not abandoned the child or failed to assume parental responsibility has to consent.
Sources for this section (1)
- Wis. Stat. 786.36 — Changing names, court procedure
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Wisconsin attorney.