California Name Change Attorneys
This package is applicable for both an adult and a minor name change.
This package includes:
- A confidential consultation with our Name Change Attorney
- The professional preparation of the Petition for Change of Name
- The filing of the petition in the appropriate court (based on your zip code). An adult name change does not require service; a minor name change requires that we serve the other parent (we serve by mail or can assist in alternative service if requested). NOTE: Filing fee is additional & approximately $470 (in most counties & when e-filing) & may be waived by the court based on income.
- The preparation of the court filing fee waiver form as needed
- The publication of the name change for 1 month in a court approved legal newspaper NOTE: publication fee is additional approximately $120 in most counties.
- We obtain a court date; attorney does not accompany you to court date as it is unnecessary
- We prepare you for the court date
This package is for a ‘legal name change’ or ‘court ordered name change’ both of which will allow you to change your name legally. A discussion with the Attorney will determine if there is any impediment to a name change such as a criminal record or unpaid traffic tickets.
The name change will be filed in the appropriate court based on your zip code. You will need a Social Security Number.
For a minor name change, the Lawyer will advise. You may wish to change the minor’s last name only or you may wish to change the father’s name on the birth certificate. A change to the father’s name on the birth certificate usually requires that you file a Petition to Establish Parental Relationship (also called a Paternity Action) if you were not married. However, for a minor name change only, the biological father would need to be notified and if the address is unknown then we would need to perform a ‘search’. There is an additional fee of $100 for the search.
Related Blog Posts
- Name Change Attorney by Phone
- Name Change in California
- How to Legally Change Your Name in California
