Full question:
I want to change my name. No biggie. I have never gone by another name. Don't want to change my last name. BTW, I have never been arrested or had legal issues with my name. What do you think?I want to keep this simple. I understand that I'll have to change all accounts, Social Security, passport, etc. Again, what do you think? Thank you.
- Category: Name Change
- Date:
- State: California
Answer:
As long as not done for an improper purpose, such as avoiding creditors, a name change may be petitioned for and granted. It is a matter of personal choice, assuming you are an adult, and the court doesn't find it against the public interest. If you are a minor, then parental consent provisions apply. The name change process begins with the filing of a Petition for Name Change in the Superior Court where the Petitioner resides. The court will then issue an Order to Show Cause re Name Change which will recite the particulars of the Petition. The Order to Show Cause will direct all persons interested in the name change to appear before the court at a time and place specified to show cause why the name change petition should not be granted. This Order to Show Cause will then be published once a week for four weeks in a newspaper designated within the Order to Show Cause.
If there are no objections filed with the court, the court may, without conducting a hearing, enter the Order Granting Change of Name. If objections are rceived the court will conduct a hearing at the scheduled time and the court may inquire of all interested parties. Thereafter the court may enter whatever order it deems just and proper. The court can grant or dismiss the Petition. Once the Order granting the Petition is signed the Petitioner is free to assume the new name.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.
