How to Legally Change Your Last Name in Wiscosnin
Wisconsin state law allows a resident to legally change their last name, or surname, as long as there is "no sufficient cause to the contrary." A person convicted of a felony or registered as a sex offender may not change their last name. If neither of these prohibited conditions applies, a last name may be changed by submitting a petition and obtaining a legal court order of a name change. File the proper documents in the circuit court of the county of residence.
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Instructions
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Download and print the required forms from the Wisconsin Courts website. Available forms include the petition, notice and order for hearing and order for name change.
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Complete the petition neatly in black ink. Provide your name as listed on your birth certificate, state of birth, proposed name and reason for change.
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Sign the petition in the presence of a notary public. Make two copies of the completed forms.
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Submit the documents to the clerk of the circuit court. Pay the applicable filing fee.
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Publish the notice and order for hearing in a local newspaper once a week for three weeks. Check your mail for the affidavit of publication from the newspaper. Make a copy of the affidavit and file the original with the clerk.
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Attend the scheduled hearing, and bring copies of all documents related to your petition.
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Verify that all information provided on the petition is true and correct. Attest under oath that the name change is not requested for the purpose of fraud.
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File the signed order with the clerk. Obtain certified copies of the final order from the clerk. A fee will apply for each copy required.
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File a certified copy of the order with the county Register of Deeds office. Pay the required filing fee.
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Tips & Warnings
Certain professions may require approval from the licensing commission for name change prior to petitioning the court.
References
Resources
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