The process for changing an adult name in California takes about 2 to 3 months. It involves filing a petition, a publication in a legal newspaper and an appearance in court.
It’s very important to note that the courts do not approve a name change for those with a criminal record or unpaid traffic tickets. If there is a criminal record it would be best to speak with a criminal attorney to determine if the record can be expunged. When there are unpaid traffic tickets, it would be best to pay the ticket(s) before beginning the process of the name change.
There is a court filing fee that is required for the name change petition. This fee may be waived by the court based on income & other factors. The fee for the filing of the name change petition is dependent on the county in which the petition is filed.
The publication of the name change in a legally approved newspaper begins after the petition is filed and continues for 30 calendar days. Once filed, the court will also advise as to a hearing date.
The judge approves the name change at the hearing date. You will then have the option of purchasing certified copies of the name change. These are used to change the name on the birth certificate, social security card, passport etc. When a person files for a name change in California but was not born here, he/she would follow the procedure of their state or country of origin to change the name on the birth certificate.
Legal Action Workshop prepares the name change petition for you, arranges for publication and alerts you as to your hearing date all for a LOW FLAT FEE. The publication fee and filing fee are additional. Our attorneys help with name change throughout California. When it is not convenient to come to our Glendale office, this procedure can easily be done by phone & email. Please call us @ 1-800-HELP-444 for fast and easy help!