How to Legally Change a Minor's Name in California

Petition for a minor's name change in California.

To change a child's name in California, the petitioner must complete the required forms and make sure that both parents are in agreement and informed of the pending name change. The process of the changing a child's name can be done in as little as one month with no complications. If you are doing the petition yourself, you will need to have the correct forms to complete the process and have the name changed granted by the judge.

Things You'll Need

• Form NC-100 Petition for Change of Name
• Form NC-110 Attachment to Petition
• Form NC-120 Order to Show Cause for Change of Name
• Form NC-121 Proof of Service of Order to Show Cause
• Form CM-010 Civil Case Cover Sheet
• Form NC-130 Decree Changing Name

Instructions

1. Complete form NC-100, which is the Petition for Change of Name. Enter the your name as the petitioner for the child under 18 years old, email address if you have one, address and city. Enter the child's present name and the proposed name. Check the box as to who is requesting the name change for the child.

2. Fill out form NC-110, which is the Attachment to Petition that must be completed as an attachment to form NC-100. This information is about the person whose name is being changed and your relationship as the petitioner.

3. Print out the NC-130 form and submit this form to the clerk, who will complete it and have it submitted to the judge at the hearing. It is the final document to declare a name change or a denial of name change.

4. Prepare the form CM-010, which is the civil case cover letter. This letter is more for statistical references and has no real value for the court action. The NC-100, NC-110 and the NC-010 forms must be filed with the clerk of courts in the county in which you reside. You will be required to pay the filing fees at this time.

5. Complete the form NC-120, which is the Order to Show Cause. This form is taken to the local newspaper for publication. The order must be published once a week for four weeks before the court date. If only one parent is petitioning for the name change and there is another living parent, the NC-120 form is also served on the other parent at least 30 days prior to the court date.

6. Attend the court hearing when scheduled. In some cases, if there are no objections to the name change two days prior to the court date, the judge may order the name change without the hearing. You will be notified if this happens. You will need to take along the publishing affidavit that you get from the newspaper and the NC-121 form, which is proof that you served the other parent.

References

• California Courts: Self Help Center