This is a step by step guide that explains the procedure for a person to legally changing
his or her name. This guide explains whether a lawyer is needed, how to find a
reputable law firm, eligibility, filing fees and deadlines, advantages and disadvantages of
a name change, and steps to changing a name after a divorce. Additionally, this guide
includes all of the forms and documentation required for the name change. This
document should be used by individuals who want to learn more information about
pursing a legal name change.
Table of Contents
How to use this guide: .................................................................................................................... 3
Do I need a lawyer for file for a name change? .............................................................................. 3
How do I find a reputable law firm? ............................................................................................... 3
General Frequently Asked Questions ............................................................................................. 4
Eligibility .......................................................................................................................................... 9
Filing Fees & Deadlines ................................................................................................................... 9
Steps to Changing your Name after a Divorce:............................................................................... 9
Special Notice for Convicted Felons ............................................................................................. 11
Advantages vs. Disadvantages of a Name Change ....................................................................... 11
Rules and Regulations in the United States regarding filing for a name change ......................... 11
[ATTACHMENT TO PETITION] ....................................................................................................... 12
INSTRUCTION ................................................................................................................................ 12
[ATTACHMENT TO PETITION] ....................................................................................................... 14
[CIVIL CASE COVER SHEET] ............................................................................................................ 16
INSTRUCTION ................................................................................................................................ 16
[CIVIL CASE COVER SHEET] ............................................................................................................ 18
[DECREE CHANGING NAME] ......................................................................................................... 23
INSTRUCTION ................................................................................................................................ 23
[DECREE CHANGING NAME] ......................................................................................................... 25
[DECREE CHANGING NAME GUARDIAN] ...................................................................................... 27
INSTRUCTION ................................................................................................................................ 27
[DECREE CHANGING NAME GUARDIAN] ...................................................................................... 29
[EX PARTE APPLICATION FOR RESTORATION OF FORMER NAME] ............................................... 31
INSTRUCTION ............................................................