INSTRUCTIONS: MO PETITION FOR NAME CHANGE

While filing the Petition in with the Circuit Court in your County, you also need to provide an Order of Name Change. Make copies of these forms.

“MO Petition for Name Change Step 1”

Fill out the heading of the Petition except for the case number. In part (a), provide your current legal name in the first part and your desired name in the second part. In part (b), provide reasons why you choose to change your name.

“MO Petition for Name Change Step 2”

In part (c), state the petitioner’s current residence. In the next section, provide the date of birth and place of birth of the petitioner. Include the month, day, and year for the date of birth and city and state for the place of birth. Next, provide the full legal names of the petitioner’s father and mother.

“MO Petition for Name Change Step 3”

If you place a number in part (e), state the full legal names of the child in part (f). In part (g), state any aliases the petitioner has gone by in the past. Complete the rest of the sections and state provide the desired name on the line below part (l).

“MO Petition for Name Change Step 4”

Sign the petition using your current legal name in front of the Clerk.

“MO Petition for Name Change Step 5”

File the Petition and Order of Name Change with the Clerk. Pay the filing fees. If you cannot afford the filing fees, ask the Clerk what steps you should take.

“MO Petition for Name Change Step 6”

The petitioner will then have to publish Notice within a local newspaper in the county where the petition was filed. Publication needs to occur for three consecutive weeks within 20 days after the Order was made. Publication is not necessary if the petitioner was a victim of domestic violence, child abuse, or a victim of abuse by a household member.

“MO Petition for Name Change Step 7”

After the last publication, proof of publication needs filed with the court with 10 days of the last publication.

“MO Petition for Name Change Step 8”

Your county may or may not require a hearing. Whatever the case, you will receive a copy of the Judgment, and you should obtain certified copies of the Order or Judgment to change necessary records.