|
|
| NAME CHANGES In the state of California, we can prepare the court forms required to accomplish a legal Name Change for you, your minor child, or your entire family on one petition, as follows: Adult Name Change ................................ $350 Minor, Changed by Both Parents ............. $375 - Minor, Changed by One Parent ............... $400
- Minor, Changed by Guardian .................. $450
- Family Name Change .............................. $450
- VS23 [Amendment of Birth Record] ......... $75 each
If you want to change your name, or the name of a minor or your entire family, we can assist you by completing the required forms. After a successful Court procedure, you will receive a Court's order authenticating your name change. You can then change all governmental and institutional documents with your new name in a very straightforward way. In California, the law states that the Court must authenticate your new name unless there is an important reason not to. Adult Name Change As an adult, you can petition the Court to authenticate your name change. A Court Filing Fee will apply, unless you qualify for a waiver of fee. After the Order to Show Cause for Name Change is signed by a judge, a hearing date is set to allow time for you to publish your OSC for Name Change in a local paper. A copy of the OSC for Name Change must be published in a local newspaper that is legally qualified to publish such orders and notices for at least four consecutive weeks before the date of your hearing. We arrange the publication; however, you are responsible for the publication fees. The newspaper will file a Proof of Publication with the Court prior to the date of the hearing. (Confidential measures exist if the petitioner is a participant in the domestic violence confidentiality program.) After a successful hearing, the judge will grant your petition authenticating your name change. Changing a Minor's Name Changing a minor's name can often be as easy as changing an adult's name. Both parents, a single parent or legal guardian may petition to change a minor's name. If the minor is 12 years of age or older, he or she must give written consent to the name change, and be present in court on the date of the hearing to be questioned by the Court. If both parents consent to the minor's name change, the Court normally grants the request. When one parent alone petitions to change the minor's name, the Court requires that the other parent be given advance notification of the proposed name change. If the other parent agrees to the name change in writing, or doesn't respond, the Court will usually approve it. If the other parent objects to the name change, the Court will grant the petition only if it is "in the best interests of the child". In order to make that determination, the Court will hold a hearing and let each parent state his or her reasons for changing the minor's name, or objecting to the name change. If the minor is old enough, the Court may also choose to interview him or her. After a Name Change For both an adult or minor, it is generally recommended that first you contact your local Social Security office and request a new Social Security Card (but not a new Social Security Number). After you receive a new Social Security Card, go to the DMV and obtain a new Driver's License or California ID Card. For a minor, you will need their amended Birth Certificate if they do not currently have a Driver's License or California ID Card. If the minor was not born in the U.S., you will need the minor's green card or naturalization papers. If born in California, you can obtain an amended Birth Certificate by mailing a completed form VS23 and a certified copy of the signed Decree, along with a small fee, to the State of California Bureau of Vital Statistics. All governmental and institutional records should be changed to reflect your, or the minor's, new name. Valley Legal Documents LLC 5450 Thornwood Dr., Ste. F San Jose, CA 95123 Ph: (408) 225-2556 Fx: (408) 225-2591 Disclaimer: Valley Legal Documents LLC is not a law firm. We are not lawyers. We cannot select legal forms for you. We cannot provide legal advice or represent our customers in Court. Valley Legal Documents LLC can only provide self-help services at your specific direction. | |
|