Amends GS 101-2(d), providing that a minor child cannot change his or her name without the consent of both parents, if both parents are living, unless (1) a minor has reached the age of 16 and may file an application to change his or her name with the consent of the parent who has custody of the minor and has supported the minor, without the necessity of obtaining the consent of the other parent, when the clerk of court is satisfied the other parent has abandoned the child; (2) a parent may file on behalf of the minor without the consent of the other parent if the other parent has abandoned the child; or (3) the parent can file without the consent of the other parent when the other parent has been convicted of felonious or misdemeanor child abuse, taking indecent liberties with a minor, rape or any other sex offense, incest, assault, communicating a threat, or any other crime of violence.

Clarifies how abandonment of a child can be shown.

Effective October 1, 2013, applying to applications for name changes filed on or after that date.