Name Change

In a Decision –         In the Matter of the Application of Jacobs,  (an "Unreported Decision") >>   the Court Held:

The Appellate Division reversed the Trial Court’s grant of Father’s demand to have the child use his last name.

The Appellate Division ruled that case law supports a strong presumption in favor of the surname chosen by the custodial parent, in addition to the best interests of the child.
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In a  Decision – Sacklow v. Betts (a "Reported Decision") >>   the Court Held:

The Chancery  Division determined that the “Best Interest” Standard applied  where the minor child is transgender and wishes to assume a name they believe corresponds to the gender they identify with.

The factors are: (1) the age of the child; (2) the length of time the child has used the preferred name; (3) any potential anxiety, embarrassment or discomfort that may result from the child having a name he or she believes does not match his or her outward appearance and gender identity; (4) the history of any medical or mental health counseling the child has received; (5) the name the child is known by in his or her family, school and community; (6) the child’s preference and motivations for seeking the name change; and (7) whether both parents consent to the name change, and if consent is not given, the reason for withholding consent.