Adult Name Change
Step-by-step guide to petitioning the court to legally change your name.
Changing your name as an adult (outside of marriage or divorce) requires a court order. The process typically involves filing a petition, publishing a notice, and attending a hearing. This creates a legal trail connecting your old identity to your new one.
⚠️ Important Considerations
- You cannot change your name to avoid debts, hide from criminal liability, or escape law enforcement.
- You cannot choose a name that is offensive, confusing, includes numbers, or implies a title of nobility.
- If you are on the sex offender registry, the process is much stricter and may be denied.
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Obtain the Forms
Visit your county's Superior Court website or clerk's office. You usually need a 'Petition for Change of Name', an 'Order to Show Cause', and a 'Decree Changing Name'.
2. Complete the Petition
Fill out the forms completely. You will need to list your current name, proposed name, and the reason for the change. Be honest about any criminal history.
3. File and Pay Fees
Take your forms to the court clerk. Pay the filing fee (often $150-$450, depending on the state). If you have low income, ask for a 'Fee Waiver' form immediately.
4. Publish Legal Notice
Most states require you to publish a notice in a local newspaper for several weeks to inform potential creditors. The court clerk will give you a list of approved newspapers. You must submit 'Proof of Publication' to the court.
5. Attend the Hearing
Go to your scheduled court date. The judge may ask brief questions to ensure you aren't hiding from debt. If approved, they sign the Decree.
6. Update Your Identity
Get certified copies of the Decree from the clerk. Use them to update your Social Security Card (do this first!), Driver's License, Passport, and Bank Accounts.