In re Bicknell

{¶ 1} In January 2000, appellants, Jennifer Lane Bicknell and Belinda Lou Priddy, filed individual applications with the Butler County Probate Court to have their surnames changed to “Rylen,” which is a combination of letters from both of their last names. The reason given on both applications was “Applicant desires to legally have the same last name as her long-term partner of nine (9) years. This name change will only add to the level of commitment they have for each other, as well as that of their unborn child. Also, so that this tender and new family will have a unified name in the eyes…