How do I Legally Change My Last Name in Rock County, Wisconsin?
Under Wisconsin law, any resident of the state that is at least 18 years of age may change his name for any reason as long as it is not in furtherance of a crime or done with the intent to defraud another. All name changes in Rock County are processed through the clerk of the Rock County Circuit Court.
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Instructions
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Contact the clerk of the Rock County Circuit Court and obtain a petition for name change (petition) and notice and order for name change hearing (notice) forms. These forms are available by download from the court website, or you can obtain a paper copy from the clerk's office.
Rock County Courthouse
2nd Floor
51 South Main St.
Janesville, WI 53545
(608) 743-2200
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Complete the petition as instructed. You will be asked to provide information about your current name, address and work as well as your proposed name and the reason you would like to change your name. After completing the petition have the form notarized. If you are not sure where to find a notary, ask the clerk of the court for suggestions. Make copies.
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Complete the top sections of the notice as instructed. There is not need to have the notice notarized. Make copies.
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File the two forms (petition and notice) with the clerk along with the filing fee. The clerk will review the petition for accuracy and complete the applicable sections of notice with the exact day, time and courtroom of your name change hearing. The clerk will keep the original and return your copies to you. Review the notice carefully so that you understand when your hearing will be held.
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Publish the notice with a local paper of general circulation. Keep in mind that each paper has its own procedures for publishing public notices and each will require a nominal fee for publication. The notice must be published at least one day per week for three weeks prior to your name change hearing.
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Obtain an "affidavit of publication" from the newspaper that published your notice. Make a copy and file the original with the clerk of the court or bring it with you to your hearing.
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Attend your name change hearing. Bring the original or a certified copy of your birth certificate as well as the copies of the petition and notice you filed with the clerk. At the hearing the judge will review your petition, the affidavit of publication and your birth certificate and ask you questions regarding your reasons for changing your name. Upon completion of the review, the judge will make a decision on whether to grant your name change. If granted you will receive an order granting name change (order).
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File the order with the clerk of the court and get a certified copy (for a $5 fee). Use the copy to change any legal or official documents that need to be updated due to your name change, such as your passport, social security card and driver's license.
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Tips & Warnings
If the judge denies your petition you will be given an "order denying change of name." Review the order carefully for explanation of why your petition was denied. Use the explanation to correct any deficiencies you may have had and apply again.
References
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