A Petition for Alter of Name must be submitted to the superior court in order for an adult resident of California to change their given name. Following the submission of the petition, the court will set a hearing date that is anywhere from six (6) to twelve (12) weeks in the future.
Make your debut with the world utilizing your new moniker.
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; get a new state identification card; and update your passport.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.
When did name change laws go into effect in California?
Prepare yourself to download, print, and send in the name change forms that were automatically filled up in PDF format. The marriage name change rules in California are governed by the Name Equality Act of 2007, which is a PDF document that is 310 KB in size. It became mandatory for marriage licenses that were issued on or after January 1, 2009 under the new law.
Can I change my middle name after marriage in California?
The California Name Equality Act of 2007 (external link to pdf) allows any party to a marriage to alter either their middle name or their last name, and it does not matter which name is changed first. Therefore, you have the option to modify merely your middle name while maintaining your original last name.
What are the rules for changing my name?
You are not allowed to change your name for a purpose that is fraudulent, such as to avoid paying debts; you are not allowed to change to a name that could affect the rights of another person, such as a celebrity; you are not allowed to use a curse word, racial slur, obscene, or offensive word as part of your name; and you are not allowed to change to a name that would intentionally cause confusion.
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 change my name in California online?
When it comes to filling out your documents, you have two choices: You may fill out the applications online. In order to change your name, you may be required by some courts to fill out local documents, such as one that requests information on your criminal history. Inquire with the court clerk in your area about whether or not there are any specific forms you need to fill out.
How long does it take to change your last name in California?
It is possible that you may have to wait up to three months for the courts to process your request to change your name once you have submitted the necessary documents.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.
Can I change my last name to my boyfriend without getting married?
Some words of wisdom for unmarried partners in a relationship 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.
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?
Find the Forms You’re Looking for in the State of California The best part is that you do not need the assistance of a lawyer in order to change your name. You are welcome to make use of our California name change forms that have been adapted precisely for your circumstance.
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.
Does it cost money to change your name?
Changing your name might cost anywhere from less than $100 to more than $500, depending on the state in which you live. In many states, the costs charged might vary from county to county; thus, it is important to verify with the probate, family, or district court clerk in your area. Many states still have fees that are far lower than $100.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Can I use my old name after name change?
If you have used a different name in the past but now want to use the name that was listed on your birth certificate, you will need to get a deed poll to demonstrate that you are entitled to do so.
Are name changes public record in California?
The current legal name of the petitioner is to be kept confidential by the court, and it is not to be published or posted in the court’s calendars, indexes, or register of actions, as is required by Article 7 (beginning with Section 69840) of Chapter 5 of Title 8 of the Government Code. This applies to any petition filed under this subdivision.
What is the process for name change in California?
- After you have submitted the petition, the Registrar will convene a hearing and decide whether or not the letter from the physician should be considered valid.
- You will be able to move on with the process of changing your name as soon as you receive your updated birth certificate.
- You must have been born in the state of California in order for this to be accurate.
How can you change your name legally in California?
- Complete the necessary court forms. Fill out your forms using the online system.
- Check that all of your forms are correct. If there is a family law facilitator or a self-help center at your court that assists persons going through the process of changing their name or gender recognition, you should ask them to evaluate your documentation.
- Create a single duplicate of each of your forms
- Put your forms in the clerk of the court’s file.
Can I change my name legally for free?
Although it is only your first name, in order to change it legally, you will need to submit a petition for name change to the county clerk of the county in which you now reside. However, if you already have a formal name like Matthew and you want your name to appear on sensitive papers as Matt, it is not normally necessary to change your first name.