Rule text
(a) Application. Pursuant to D.C.Code 1973, § 16-2501, any person, being a resident of the District of Columbia and desiring a change of name, may file an application in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia seeking such relief. The application may include the applicant's spouse, if the spouse consents, the minor children of the applicant, and the minor children of the spouse, if the spouse consents. If the applicant is an infant, the application shall be filed by the infant's parent, guardian or next friend. An application shall be verified and shall include:
1. applicant's present name, social security number, and date of birth;
2. the name desired to be assumed;
3. the reasons for the change of name;
4. applicant's present residence and permanent domicile;
5. applicant's place of birth;
6. the full names of applicant's parents;
7. whether applicant's name has been previously changed and, if so, the dates, places, and reasons therefor;
8. whether applicant has ever been known by or used any other name not stated in this application, and, if so, what name and the dates, places and reasons therefor;
9. applicant's occupation;
10. whether applicant has been the subject of a bankruptcy, receivership, or insolvency proceeding;
11. whether applicant has been convicted of a felony;
12. whether any unsatisfied judgment or decree has been entered against applicant;
13. the names and addresses of any creditors to whom the applicant is presently indebted;
14. certification by the applicant (i) that the application has not been filed for any fraudulent or undisclosed purpose, status, past or present, (ii) that the granting of the application will not infringe upon the rights of others relating to any partnership, corporation, patent, trademark, copyright, goodwill, privacy or otherwise.
(b) Presentation of Application and Preliminary Hearing. At the time of filing of an application for change of name, the Court shall (i) require the applicant to make a prima facie showing of the applicant's right to relief, (ii) set a date for the final hearing, and (iii) inquire who, if anyone, is entitled to notice of the application and of the final hearing. Notice of said hearing, together with a copy of the application shall within 10 days thereafter be served personally upon the persons designated by the Court or shall be sent by the applicant or the applicant's attorney, by registered or certified mail to said persons. Proof of said service of mailing shall be by an affidavit which shall set forth the names and addresses of each person to whom notice was given, and the date of said mailing. Said affidavit shall be supported by the certified letter receipt.
(c) Publication. In addition to the notice prescribed pursuant to section (b) of this Rule, notice of the filing of the application, the substance and prayer thereof and the date of final hearing shall be published once a week for 3 consecutive weeks in a newspaper in general circulation in the District of Columbia. Publication shall be proved by affidavit of an officer or agent of the publisher stating the dates of publication with an attached copy of the notice as published.
(d) Final Hearing. A final hearing shall be held on a date set by the Court. Upon proof of notice as required in sections (b) and (c), and after making inquiry as to whether all persons who appear to have an interest in the application have received proper notice, the Court may enter an order changing the name of the applicant. If the applicant has been convicted of a felony, the Court shall provide notice to appropriate law enforcement officials.