Who can initiate a name change for a minor under Maryland law?

In Maryland, the process of initiating a name change for a minor is primarily designated to a parent or a legal guardian. This is because they hold the legal rights and responsibilities for the minor. Furthermore, this action must be approved by the court to ensure that the name change serves the best interests of the child. The court assesses various factors to make sure that this change does not adversely affect the minor's identity or welfare.

A parent or legal guardian has the standing to file for this change, which must include the rationale for requesting the name change and demonstrate that it will not cause harm to the minor. Court approval is necessary to protect the child's legal rights and identity.

The other options present scenarios that do not align with Maryland law. A minor cannot initiate a name change on their own due to their lack of legal capacity. While a grandparent may be involved in the child's life or provide consent for other matters, they do not have the authority to file for a name change without a parent or legal guardian initiating the process. Similarly, while any adult relative may have a strong interest in the welfare of the child, they lack the legal standing to request a name change independently. Thus, the most accurate and lawful method to initiate this process is through a parent