go before a judge an request it'

Based on my research, it depends from state to state (if you're in the USA) and from country to country (of course). But to give you an idea, here's an example from the state of Wisconsin: Name change procedure is governed by Wisconsin Statute 786.36. Wisconsin Statute 69.1 l(3)(b) also allows you to change your child's name without a court order, up to 365 days after the birth of your child. To do this contact'. STATE REGISTRAR FOR VITAL STATISTICS P.O. BOX 309 MADISON, WI 53701-0309 (6()8) 266-1371 ELIGIBILITY You must be a resident of Wisconsin. lf the person whose name is to be changed is a minor under 14 years of age, the petition may be made by: both parents if living, or the survivor of them', the legal guardian(s); or the mother, if the minor is a non-marital child who is not adopted or whose parents do not intermarry under :.767.60, except that the father must also make the petition unless his rights have been legally terminated. Petitions must be filed in the county of your residence. There are restrictions for persons engaged in professions for which the State of Wisconsin requires a license. FORMS Four forms are required: • PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME • NOTICE OF HEARING • ORDER FOR HEARING • ORDER FOR CHANGE OF NAME Forms are available at: Wisconsin Legal Blank 749 North 37th Street Milwaukee, Wl 53216 344-5155 All forms must be typed or printed in black ink. You must sign the ''Petition For Change of Name'' in front of a Notary Public. Notaries are listed in the Milwaukee Yellow Pages. Make two (2) copies of the signed and notarized ''Petition For Change of Name.'' FILING File all forms (including the two(2) copies of the petition) with the cashier in the Clerk of Circuit Court Office, Room G-9, Courthouse, 90 l North 9th Street. Business hours are from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., Monday through Friday. A filing fee is required. The cashier will assign a case number and judge to the case and will keep the original ''Petition For Change of Name'' and ''Order For Change of Name'' for the case file. Keep one copy of the ''Petition For Change of Name'' for your records. Take the remaining forms to the deputy clerk in the assigned judge's courtroom. The deputy clerk will assign a date and time for hearing and obtain the judge's signature on the ''Order For Hearing.'' The clerk will keep a copy of the ''Petition For Change of Name'' and ''Order For Hearing'' and return the remaining copies to you. more from: www.geocities.com/gggwi/docs/name3.pdf It's obviously a very tedious process, based on the Wisconsin example.