What are the steps I need to take to legally change my name in California?
By
To legally change your name in California, you must follow these steps:
Step 1: Complete the appropriate forms
To change your name in California, you must fill out a Petition for Name Change form (Form NC-100). You can obtain this form on the California Courts website or from your local courthouse. You will also need to fill out a Civil Case Cover Sheet (Form CM-010) and a Notice of Hearing (Form NC-120). These forms must be signed under penalty of perjury.
Step 2: File the forms with the court
Once you have completed the forms, file them with the court in the county where you live. You will need to pay a filing fee, which varies by county. If you cannot afford to pay the fee, you can file a Fee Waiver Request form (Form FW-001).
Step 3: Publish notice of the name change
After you file your forms with the court, you must publish a notice of your name change in a newspaper of general circulation in the county where you live. The notice must be published once a week for four weeks. You will need to obtain a Proof of Publication form from the newspaper after the notice has been published.
Step 4: Attend the hearing
After the notice has been published, you must attend a hearing in front of a judge. At the hearing, the judge will ask you questions about why you want to change your name and whether you have any outstanding debts or legal obligations. If the judge approves your name change, he or she will sign a court order, which you will need to take with you to update your identification and other official documents.
Limitations and exceptions:
If you have been convicted of certain crimes, such as sex offenses or crimes involving moral turpitude, you may not be able to change your name. Additionally, if someone objects to your name change during the hearing, the judge may deny your request.
Suggestions for further action:
After you obtain a court order approving your name change, you will need to update your identification and other official documents, such as your driver's license, Social Security card, and passport. You should also notify your employer, bank, and other important organizations of your name change. It is also a good idea to keep a copy of your court order with you, in case you need to provide proof of your name change in the future.
