Change Child's Name Both Parents | California Courts | Self Help Guide

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Change child's name both parents

In California, you can ask the court to legally change your child's name.

 

If you and the other parent agree to change your child’s name, you can file a petition with the court together and publish a notice in a newspaper. Then, you'll either have a court date (a hearing) where a judge will make a decision or the judge may make a decision without a hearing. Once the judge decides, you pick up a court order (a Decree) with your new name. The process generally takes up to 3 months.

 

Choose any part of the process below to get step-by-step instructions.

• 1. File a petition with the court

  First, you fill out and file court papers and pay a fee (or ask for a fee waiver). Both parents sign the petition.

• 2. Publish your request in a newspaper

  You must also publish a notice in a newspaper saying that you are asking to legally change your child’s name.

• 3. Go to a hearing (if required)

  Some courts require you to go to a court hearing. Other courts may order the legal name change without a hearing.

• 4. Get an order

  If the judge approves your request, you'll get a signed order. You can use this to change your child’s legal documents, like their birth certificate and passport.

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