In California, a post-divorce name change is not terribly difficult. Anyone over the age of 18 can file for a name change in the superior court for the county they live in, as long as they fill out and file all of the proper forms. If you have any problems filling out the forms, check with your local courthouse for legal aid. There are typically lawyers who work on a pro-bono basis, offering divorce advice to women or men who cannot afford a divorce attorney.
Post-Divorce Name Change in California – Forms
To complete a post-divorce name change in California, there are several forms to be filed. All of these forms are available online, so you can fill them out on your computer, and print them out to provide to the court clerk.
NC-100 - Petition for Change of Name
NC-110 - Name and Information About the Person Whose Name is to be Changed
NC-120 - Order to Show Cause for Change of Name
Filing for a Name Change
In addition to the above forms, you must, complete and print a NC-010, Civil Case Cover Sheet to submit with your petition to the clerk. You must pay a filing fee in order to file the petition, unless you qualify for a fee waiver. If you are receiving any public benefits, such as Food Stamps, you qualify for a fee waiver, so don’t forget to apply to have your filing fees waived. After filing, request two copies of the accepted filed papers from the clerk.
Request a Hearing in Civil Court
You must request a hearing to complete your name-change after a divorce. Simply enter a preferred date (at least six weeks in the future) for the hearing on your NC-120, or Order to Show Cause. The clerk’s office will schedule your hearing on an available date, but not necessarily on the date you requested.
Publish Your Name Change Information
Although there are some exceptions (victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, participants of the Witness Protection Program or other situations requiring privacy) most people who are changing their names after divorce must publish their intentions in an approved general circulation newspaper for at least four weeks prior to the hearing. The newspaper has to file Proof of Publication with the court prior to the hearing.
Divorce Advice for Women
When changing your name after divorce, follow this simple divorce advice for women: Check to see if you qualify for a fee waiver, ask for legal aid help if you don’t understand any of the forms, and ask the newspaper if they provide the Proof of Publication service before publishing your notice. For more divorce information, read:
Free California Divorce Form for Final Judgment in CA
Free California Divorce Forms – Online Dissolution Information
How to File For Divorce in California Without a Lawyer
Finding the Best Divorce Attorney
Victoria Nicks - Victoria Nicks has a Master's Degree in IT, and extensive hands-on experience with various types of hardware and software.
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