Probate: other; name change proceedings; modify. Amends secs. 1 & 3, ch. XI of 1939 PA 288 (MCL 711.1 & 711.3).

This bill modifies Michigan's name change laws to strengthen fraud prevention by requiring fingerprint checks for all applicants aged 22 or older. Under the new rules, individuals with a criminal record are presumed to be seeking a name change fraudulently and must prove otherwise, while the court covers the cost of background checks. The legislation also mandates that courts notify relevant state agencies if a name change is approved for someone with a criminal history, ensuring the change is recorded in correctional and law enforcement databases. Additionally, the bill clarifies consent requirements for minors, requiring those aged 14 or older to sign their own consent in front of the judge if the court deems them capable of expressing a preference.