INSTRUCTIONS: PETITION TO CHANGE NAME (Adult) CAO 12-1

Apart from the Petition, an adult will also need the following forms:

· Notice of Hearing

· Order for Name Change

· Name Change Letter of Publication

“Petition to Change Name (Adult) CAO 12-1 Step 1”

The Petition is easily filled out. Make sure to print in black ink and provide your district number and county in the heading. If the sections of the Petition do not apply, write “none” or “N/A.” The completed Petition must be signed in front of Notary Public.

“Petition to Change Name (Adult) CAO 12-1 Step 2”

Make of copy of the Petition and two copies of the Notice of Hearing. Attach these copies to the originals. Take these forms to the Clerk’s Office in your county and pay the filings fees. The filing fees will cost about $88.00, but they may be subject to change depending on your county. If you cannot afford the filing fees, you can fill out the Fee Waiver FW 1-9.

“Petition to Change Name (Adult) CAO 12-1 Step 3”

After filing the form, request for the hearing to occur at least six weeks in the future. The clerk will issue the Notice when the filing fee is paid or the fee is officially waived by the judge.

“Petition to Change Name (Adult) CAO 12-1 Step 4”

Select a newspaper in your area and send a signed Letter of Publication with a copy of the Notice of Hearing. The newspaper needs to publish the Notice every week for at least 4 consecutive weeks. After the Notice has been published enough times, the newspaper will send an Affidavit of Publication. Make sure the Clerk receives the Affidavit.

“Petition to Change Name (Adult) CAO 12-1 Step 5”

After the clerk has received and approved the Affidavit, the petitioner needs to attend the hearing. You’ll want to bring the original Order and any copies of the Order you will need for changing your driver’s license, social security card, birth certificate, and more. If the judge approves the change of name, they will sign the Order and you’ll receive certified copies from the Clerk’s office.