David's Story

David suffered unimaginable abuse at the hands of his father. For many years, he and his siblings were terrorized. They were beaten, tied up and locked in a room for days on end. They lived in absolute fear. Before help arrived, one of David’s siblings was killed.

Eventually this deadly abuse came to light. David and his remaining siblings were removed from the home. Their father was arrested and is now in jail, likely for the rest of his life.

Jeff, a Children's Law Center attorney, was appointed to represent the siblings. They all had unimaginable scars—both physical and emotional. David said several times that he did not want to live, and Jeff was there to talk to him each time. Jeff ensured that David was in a safe home where he was well treated and well cared for.

After Jeff had represented him for several years, David confided about something that really bothered him. He had been named after his father. He was the "Jr." of a man who nearly killed him. Having his name was a constant reminder of a painful past.

David was a senior in high school when Jeff drove him to court and helped him file for a name change. David had picked three names—a new first, middle and last—from books he read. Following a short hearing, the court granted the request, and David had a new name and a fresh start.

If there were a book entitled How to be a Guardian Ad Litem, it is unlikely that there would be a chapter on name change petitions. But the attorneys at the Children’s Law Center write their own chapters every day. They go beyond ensuring that their clients are safe and sheltered. They try to make them whole again. For David, becoming whole meant he needed a new name.