Our Team in California Can Help You Filing A Petition For Minor Name Change, Adult Name Change, & Family Name Change. Name Change California Filing Experts Are Also Available For After Marriage Name Change in California.
There are several reasons why someone may want to change their name in California. Some of these reasons include name changes due to marriage or divorce, changing a minor's name due to adoption, gender or religious reasons, or simply personal preferences.
In California, you can change your name by filing a petition in court. To start the process, you'll need to fill out a form called the Petition for Change of Name, which you can find on the California Courts website or get from your local court. Once you have completed the form, you will need to file it with the court, along with a filing fee and any other required documents. After that, you will need to attend a court hearing, where a judge will review your petition and decide whether to approve your Name Change. If the judge approves your petition, you will receive a court order granting your name change. You will then need to update your name on all of your documents, such as your driver's license, passport, and social security card.
Name Change Case Filing in California
To file a name change case in California, you'll need to follow these basic steps:
- Fill Out The Proper Forms: You can find the forms to file a name change case on the California Courts website. Fill out the Petition for Change of Name, Attachment to Petition for Change of Name, and Order to Show Cause for Change of Name.
- File The Forms With The Court: file your completed forms in the Superior Court of the county where you live. You'll have to pay a filing fee, which varies by county.
- Get fingerprinted: Get fingerprinted and have a criminal background check done. You can do this by contacting your local law enforcement agency or a private fingerprinting agency.
- Publish A Notice Of Your Name Change: Publish a notice of your name change in a local newspaper for four consecutive weeks. You'll need to provide proof of publication to the court.
- Attend A Court Hearing: Attend a court hearing and provide a reason for Changing Your Name in California. If the judge approves your name change, you will have to change your updated name on your documents.
Criteria of Name Change Filing in California
The criteria for filing a name change petition in California may vary depending on the nature of the case, but generally, you need to meet the following requirements:
- You are at least 18 years old.
- You are at least 18 years old.
- You are a resident of the county where you are filing the Name Change Petition.
- You are not seeking the name change for fraudulent purposes.
- You have not been convicted of certain crimes.
- In addition to these criteria, you will need to complete and file the necessary forms, pay the filing fees, and attend a court hearing to have your name change approved by a judge.
Name Change Cost in California
The cost of changing your name in California can vary depending on the case and whether you hire an expert to help you with the process. Generally, you can expect to pay a Name Change Filing Fee of around $435, but this can vary depending on the county. If you choose to hire an expert to assist you with the process, the cost will depend on the expert's fees, which can vary greatly. Some experts may charge a flat fee, while others may charge by the hour. It's worth noting that if you cannot afford the filing fee, you may be able to request a fee waiver from the court. The court will consider your income and expenses to determine whether you qualify for a waiver.
Will Changing Your Name Change Your Identity in California?
Changing your name in California will not change your identity, but it can be a part of your identity and how others perceive you. Your identity is not just based on your name, but also includes your personal characteristics, beliefs, values, and more. Changing Your Family Name can help you to express your identity more fully and can also have practical benefits, such as making it easier to apply for jobs, obtain government identification, or open a bank account. However, it is important to note that changing your name will not change your identity in terms of your social security number, birth certificate, or other official documents. These will still list your original name unless you also go through the process of changing those documents as well.
Name Change Filling Steps in California
- Fill Out The Appropriate Forms: You will need to fill out a Petition for Change of Name form and a Civil Case Cover Sheet.
- File The Forms With The Court: You can file the forms in the superior court in your county of residence. You will need to pay a filing fee, which varies by county.
- Get A Hearing Date: After you file the forms, you will be given a hearing date. You will need to attend this hearing, so be sure to mark it on your calendar.
- Publish A Notice Of The Name Change: You will need to publish a notice of the name change in a newspaper that is circulated in the county where you live.
- Attend The Hearing: At the hearing, the judge will review your forms and ask you some questions. If everything looks good, the judge will sign the Order to Show Cause for the Change of Name.
- Get Certified Copies Of The Order: Once the judge signs the Order to Show Cause for the Change of Name, you will need to get certified copies of the order. Update your documents once you are given permission to change your name.
How long does it take To Change Your Name in California?
The name change process in California typically takes around 3-4 months, although the exact timeline can vary depending on the court's schedule and other factors. After you file your petition for a name change, you will need to attend a court hearing, typically scheduled around 6-12 weeks after filing. If your petition is approved at the hearing, you will then need to wait for the court order granting your name change, which can take a few weeks to a few months to be processed and delivered to you. Overall, the Process Of Name Change can take several months, so it's best to plan ahead and start the process well in advance if you have a specific deadline or event in mind.
Filling Petition for Individual Name Change in California
To start with, you will have to obtain the necessary forms from the California Courts website or from your local county courthouse. Once you have the forms, you will need to complete them and file them with the court along with the appropriate filing fee.
The forms will typically require you to provide your current name, your desired new name, your reason for the name change, and some personal information such as your date of birth and address. You may also need to provide additional documentation, such as a birth certificate or passport, to support your Name Change Request. It is important to carefully follow all instructions when filling out and submitting your name change petition, as any errors or omissions can cause delays or even lead to the petition being denied. If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out to the Name Change California professionals in California.
Process of Filling Name Change Petition in California
- Obtain The Necessary Forms: You can get the forms from the California courts website or from the county court where you plan to file.
- Fill Out The Forms: Make sure to fill out all the required information accurately and completely.
- File The Forms: You can file the forms in person at the county court clerk's office or mail them to the court.
- Pay The Filing Fee: The filing fee varies, so check with the court clerk's office for the exact amount.
- Publish The Notice: You may be required to publish a notice of your name change in a local newspaper. Check with the court for specific requirements.
- Attend The Hearing: Once your name change petition has been filed, you will be given a hearing date. Attend the hearing and answer any questions the judge may have.
- Obtain A Court Order: If your name change petition is approved, you will receive a court order that changes your name.