Name Change FAQs

What does a court ordered name change entail?

Petitioning and publishing are the two basic steps you'll need to take in order to have a court issue a decree that orders your official name change. Petitioning means filling out the appropriate form or forms and filing them (paying the required fee) in the court that claims jurisdiction (normally, the one nearest or that services the area of your residence). In nearly every state the petitioner or person legally overseeing the name change process is required to publish notice in a local newspaper of the intended name change. You may also be required to give notice to specific individuals or organizations that have an interest in your name change. If someone objects to your new name, you may have to appear in court to show cause as to why you are entitled to your new name.