In the state of California, a petition for change of name can be submitted by anybody who wants to alter their first or middle name. It makes no difference whether you wish to alter your first name, middle name, or last name; the process is exactly the same in any scenario. It is the same procedure, and once it is approved, it is just as legally legitimate as before.
How do I legally change my name in California?
In order to change your name legally in California (or anywhere else in the United States), you will need to complete the following four steps: submit an application for a marriage license or a court order; inform the Social Security Administration of your new name; update your passport; and obtain a new state identification card.Do you think that’s a lot?Thankfully, there is a service called HitchSwitch that can let you change your name, which makes the transaction a lot less complicated.
What forms do I need to file a name change?
Form NC-100, the Petition for Change of Name; Form NC-110, the Attachment to Petition for Change of Name; Form NC-120, the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name; and a Civil Case Cover Sheet are the name change paperwork that you will require (Form CM-010). You may be required to fill out local paperwork as well, such as one that asks about your criminal history, by some courts.
How do I change my legal name on documents?
You are able to alter the name that appears on government-issued identity papers such as your driver’s license, passport, and social security card if the court issues an order allowing you to do so. In most cases, you will be required to provide a copy of the decree altering your name that has been authenticated.
How do I file a petition to change my name?
Please complete the form that is attached to the petition. This document, which provides the court with information on the individual whose name is being changed, is sometimes referred to as the form NC-110. You are going to be questioned about your present name, the place you were born, the location where you currently reside, and the reason for the name change.
How much does it cost to change your last name in California?
You will be required to make payment of the California state Filing fee when you submit the petition documents to change your name.In the state of California, the fee to file the necessary paperwork to change your name is $435.However, there are a few courts that charge more (up to $480), and there is no court in California that charges less than $435 to submit a petition for a change of name.
Can you legally change your last name in California?
It is important to take note that in the state of California, you normally have the legal right to change your name merely by using the new name in all parts of your life.This practice is referred to as the ″usage method.″ However, with very few exceptions, government entities want a court order as formal proof of a name change; hence, obtaining a court order is the most effective means to alter one’s name.
Can I legally change my name online California?
Make a request to have your name changed. You have the option of downloading or filling out your paperwork online. There is a possibility that you may additionally need to submit papers for the court in your area. The whole set of instructions may be found here: Put in a request to change your name by filing a petition.
How do I change my last name after marriage in California?
In the state of California, if you want to legally change anything other than your last name after getting married, whether it be your first or middle name, you will need to file a petition for a name change and go through the regular legal process for changing your name. This includes changing your middle initial if you want to.
Can I legally change my last name?
Changing a surname. There is nothing in the law that prevents you from changing your last name at any point, just like there is nothing that prevents you from changing your first name as long as you do not have any fraudulent (or other illegal) motive. You are free to adopt a surname of your choosing, either in addition to or in place of the surname you now use.
What documents do I need to change my name?
- In addition to that, please bring the following documents with you: Your current and valid passport, as well as a certified copy of your birth certificate, are both acceptable forms of proof of citizenship
- A notarized copy of your marriage license might serve as evidence that your name has been changed.
- Your name and date of birth or age, as well as a current image, need to be displayed on the document that serves as your proof of identification
Do I need a lawyer to change my name in California?
Contacting a local attorney with a law company who can provide you with legal counsel and guide you through the process of changing your name in California is a good idea if your circumstance is unusual or if you have further questions regarding the procedure.
Do you need a reason to change your name?
You only need to have a valid cause for doing what you’re doing. It is possible to change your name for any reason, as long as it does not involve breaking the law, and you do not need a lawyer to accomplish it.
Is it difficult to change your name?
Changing your name is not a difficult procedure, but it does need a lot of work on your part to make the change official.To properly change your name, you will need to complete a number of procedures, some of which may be time-consuming at times.When you want to change your name in public settings, all you have to do is identify yourself with the new name you want to use.Changing your name is a simple process.
Do I have to publish my name change in California?
The Order to Show Cause for Change of Name must be published in a newspaper with broad circulation once per week for a period of four consecutive weeks, regardless of the circumstances. There is a good chance that the court in your location has a list of the publications that are permitted to publish legal notices.
Can I change my last name without getting married?
It is perfectly legal for either one of you or both of you to change your last name to coincide with that of your partner in order to give the impression that you are a married couple even if you do not intend to get married or enter into a civil partnership. This can be done in lieu of getting married or entering into a civil partnership.
How long does a name change take?
The processes involved in changing one’s name might take anything from one (1) day to six (6) months (sometimes even longer). Not only does the length of time it takes for name change actions to be ordered or decided vary from state to state, but it also differs from county to county and courthouse to courthouse.
Does your name automatically change after marriage?
1. The opening statement It is a common misconception that once a woman gets married, her surname would immediately switch to that of her new husband. However, this is not the case. The surname that you will use after your marriage will not be indicated in any manner on either your birth certificate or your marriage certificate.
How do I change my name on my Social Security card in California?
In order to alter your name on your card, you will need to provide us with documentation verifying both your identification and the legal change to your name.You are also need to present a document to us that verifies your citizenship in the United States, if such information is not already included in our files.You are required to produce either the original papers or copies that have been certified by the organization that issued the documents.
Is a marriage certificate proof of name change?
As long as your maiden name and your spouse’s surname are listed on the marriage certificate, you do not need any other forms of documentation to prove that you changed your name after being married.