South Carolina § 15-49-10 - Application for change of name.
Full text of South Carolina South Carolina Code of Laws § 15-49-10 — Application for change of name., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 15-49-10. Application for change of name.
(A) A person who has been a resident of the State of South Carolina for at least six months and who desires to change his name may petition, in writing, a family court judge in the appropriate circuit, setting forth the reason for the change, his age, his place of residence and birth, and the name by which he desires to be known.
(B) A parent who desires to change the name of his minor child may petition, in writing, a family court judge in the appropriate circuit. The other parent, if there is not one then the child, must be named as a party in the action unless waived by the court. The court shall appoint a guardian ad litem to represent the child. The court shall grant the petition if it finds that it is in the best interest of the child.
HISTORY: 1962 Code SECTION 48-51; 1952 Code SECTION 48-51; 1942 Code SECTION 8674; 1932 Code SECTION 8674; Civ. C. '22 SECTION 5573; Civ. C. '12 SECTION 3793; Civ. C. '02 SECTION 2699; G. S. 2067; R. S. 2199; 1814 (5) 718; 1962 (52) 1656; 1990 Act No. 344, SECTION 1; 2022 Act No. 183 (H.3271), SECTION 1, eff May 16, 2022.
Effect of Amendment
2022 Act No. 183, SECTION 1, in (A), inserted "has been a resident of the State of South Carolina for at least six months and who" following "A person who".
Source: official South Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Carolina § 15-49-10
What does South Carolina Code of Laws § 15-49-10 cover?
Section 15-49-10 ("Application for change of name.") is part of the South Carolina Code of Laws, the codified statutory law of South Carolina. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite South Carolina § 15-49-10?
A common citation format is "South Carolina Code of Laws § 15-49-10" (South Carolina). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of South Carolina law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the South Carolina official source linked on this page or consult a licensed South Carolina attorney.
How does South Carolina § 15-49-10 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in South Carolina can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in South Carolina.