Is It Ethical To Change Minor Names After Adoption?

Making an ethical decision about name change after adoption involves open communication and collaboration with the adoption professional, the child, and those involved. This aspect of the process should be transparent and the focus being on the child's well-being. Whether changing a minor’s name after adoption is ethical cannot be stated categorically, but varies with cultural norms, the law, and the circumstances of the adoption. Here are some perspectives to consider:

Cultural and Family Identity:

Even in such cases as a minor name change in the of the child after adoption ethical considerations may involve preservation of cultural or familial identity of the child. For instance, some think that using the child’s given name helps them relate with their culture and biological origins thus creating an identity and continuity.

Respect for Birth Family:

Changing a child’s name after adoption can be seen as giving her/him a new beginning and establishing a new family bond. The adoption process involves changing the child’s name; this may be considered unethical if it is viewed as disrespecting the child’s birth family or seeking to wipe out the past. If the adoptive parents think that the minor name change is in the interest of the child, they can petition for a minor name change in Illinois.

Child's Well-Being:

It is therefore important to ensure that ethical decisions made prioritize the best interest of the child. Others maintain that the name change can be effective if it assists the child to fit in the new family and the society, thus avoiding any hurdles linked to identity and acceptance. The process of minor name change in Illinois includes the filing name change petition and determining what is for the best interests of the child.

Legal Considerations:

The legal process of many adoptions consists of changing the name of the child to one that represents the new family. Obtaining a legal document protects a child’s identity. When it comes to child name change in Illinois, it normally begins with filing a petition for minor name change, outlining the reason for the change name and backing it up with supporting documents.

Open Communication:

Communication between the adoptive parents and their child is an additional element of ethical considerations. Ethical consideration may also involve including the child in the decision making process and giving them a choice about how they would like to be addressed. Communication and transparency in the Minnesota minor name change process are critical.

Sensitivity to the Child's History:

The changing of a child’s name must sensitize them to their past and the experiences they had. Adoptive parents must understand the emotional implication of changing a person’s name and that they should be ready to respond to any question or concern arising regarding the same. In particular, Illinois stresses child-centeredness and every decision relating to the minor change of name should focus on the emotional state of the child.

Legal Guardianship and Parental Rights:

Guardianship is a legal construct that also has an impact on ethical issues. In Illinois, adoptive parents are given the power to decide on the many issues involving their adopted child; for example, the name of the child. On the other hand, it involves making a decision that places the child's interest first and also concurrently with the legal process of a petition for minor name change.
The ethics of changing a minor's name after adoption, especially in Illinois, involve various factors, such as the culture, the child’s history, the legality, and the interests of the child. Each adoption case is different, and ethically, the children’s best interest should be considered in consultation with the law, as is the case with the filing of a petition for minor name change in Illinois.