How old do you have to be to change your last name/add on to it?

Question

I'm 14, and my grandfather is dying, and he is a big family man, and his last name is O'Brien. He has no sons with the last name, therefore no one to carry it on. My name is Melanie Elaine Moss. Can I add it on to be Moss-O'Brien?

I don't care if you don't like it, I just want to know how old I have to be to do this?

Also, how much does it cost?

Answer 1

It's free. Until you are 18 you need parents permission. And it's up to a judge to approve it or not

Answer 2

Depending on the jurisdiction, a name change can be approved by court order.  The filing fee is generally less than $300.

If you are a minor, you will need the permission of your parent or guardian.

Answer 3

You need a parent's permission but it has to be court ordered by a judge who can approve of it. Unless you are getting married, there is no way to change your last name without a judge.

Answer 4

You will need your parents permission, with this permission, then you will present yourself in front of a judge, and he will let you know weather or not you can add on to your last name. But I think because you have permission, there shouldn't be a problem with it. Then you will just need to update things like social security, etc.