Jermaine Jackson is trying to legally change his last name.

The 57-year-old brother of the late Michael Jackson has filed documents requesting permission to officially change the spelling of his last name from 'Jackson' to 'Jacksun'.

The father-of-seven filed his petition at the Los Angeles County Superior Court on Monday (06.11.12) and according to gossip website TMZ.com he wants to change the spelling for ''artistic reasons''.

A hearing has been scheduled to determine the outcome of his request. If it is approved the singer will have to publicly announce his name change several times in either a magazine or newspaper over the next few months before it becomes official.

Jermaine recently released his new album of classic jazz songs 'I Wish You Love' and is currently performing in Europe as part of The Jackson's Unity Tour with his brothers Jackie, Marlon and Tito.

The band have been performing all of their biggest hits including 'ABC', 'I Want You Back' and 'I'll Be There' as part of the remembrance tour for their late younger brother Michael, who died in 2009.

Jermaine has also been performing some of his solo music during the tour.