Start the name change process for your child (when one parent asking)
You start the process of changing your child's name by filling out court forms.
⚠️ These instructions are if only one parent will sign the request. You'll need to follow different instructions if both parents will sign the request.
Before you start
You need the name of a newspaper to publish your request in
The law says you must publish your request for a name change in a newspaper.
If your child lives in California, you need the name of the newspaper to fill out the forms:
- You must publish in a newspaper of general circulation that publishes legal notices in the county where you file your case (the county where your child lives).
- Ask the court where you will file your case if they have a list of newspapers you can choose from.
- Contact the newspapers to find out the cost. The cost can vary a lot.
- If you change your mind later and want to change newspapers, you will have to re-do your forms and may need to postpone your court date.
If your child lives out of state, you have it published where they live. Learn more about publication if you live out of state.
- You will need to find out what newspapers qualify as a newspaper of general circulation that publishes legal notices where your child lives.
- You do not need to list the name of the paper on the form.
How to fill out forms to change a child’s name
🔗 Links to court forms below open in a new tab.
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Fill out forms
Fill out these forms:
- Petition for Change of Name (form NC-100)
- Name and Information about the Person Whose Name is to be Changed (form NC-110). You need 1 of these attachments for each person whose name you want to change. Sign each attachment. Then, attach to the NC-100.
- Order to Show Cause—Change of Name (form NC-120)
- Decree Changing Name (form NC-130) (Fill out the boxes at the top and Item 3.)
- Civil Case Cover Sheet (form CM-010) (some courts do not require this form)
💵 You will need to pay a fee when you file the forms ($435 - $450). If you can't afford the fee, fill out another form to ask for a fee waiver.
📌 You can download the forms or you can use an online program to fill them out.
⚠️ If you're worried about safety, you may be able to keep the request confidential
You can ask the court to keep your child's name change confidential if they're in the:
- State Witness Program, or
- Safe at Home address confidentiality program and are changing their name to avoid domestic violence, stalking, or human trafficking, or are a victim of sexual assault,
Learn how with Information Sheet for Name Change Proceedings Under Address Confidentiality Program (Safe at Home) (form NC-400-INFO).
💬 Talk to your self-help center to find out options.
If you're worried about safety for you and your children, there are people that can help you come up with a safety plan to keep you safe at home, work, school, other places that you go, and online. Go to the National Domestic Violence Hotline or call 1-800-799-SAFE.
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Find out if you have any local forms to fill out
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Some courts also have local forms you have to use.
- Check with your court clerk’s office or your court's website (link opens in a new tab), or talk to your self-help center to ask if they have any local forms you need to use.
- Your self-help center may also be able to review your forms before you file them.
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Make copies
- Make at least 3 copies of all of your forms.
- When you file them, the court will keep the original and return the copies to you, stamped.
- One copy is for you. The second copy is to serve your child’s other parent. The third copy is to publish the request in the newspaper.
CHILD'S NAME CHANGE WHEN ONLY ONE PARENT FILES
What's next?
Once you’ve completed the forms, you’ll file them with the court clerk.