CA Civil Name Change Attorney

How to Legally Change Your Last Name in California

If you want to change your name or your child’s name on government-issued identification documents – such as your driver’s license, identification card, passport, or social security card – you will need to obtain a court order and, thereafter, a certified copy of the decree changing the name.

The basic process consists of:

• Filling out the forms
• Reviewing them
• Making at least two copies of all of your forms and filing with the clerk of the court
• Publishing the request to change your or your child’s name (i.e. Placing in the newspaper)
• Attending one hearing and getting your decree changing your or your child’s name

If you are seeking legal guidance as you request a civil name change, count on the Law Office of Tiffany L. Andrews, P.C. Our name change attorneys in Folsom have extensive experience with the paperwork, documentation, and processes required for a name change request.

Contact us at (916) 794-4576 to learn more or to discuss your case during a consultation.

Changing Your Birth Certificate

Once your name has been changed, you can have your birth certificate updated accordingly. There are specific steps you must undertake to change a birth certificate once an adult or minor child’s name has been changed, however, it is possible – and the Law Office of Tiffany L. Andrews, P.C. can help.

Name Change Request Denials

Technically, the court has the right to deny your request to change your name. However, unless you are attempting to change your name to commit fraud, hide from the police or, for some other unlawful reason, it is unlikely they will deny your request.

Changing Gender

You have the right to change your gender on your personal identification documents. In California, you do not need a court decree to change your gender on things like your license, identification, passport, or social security card. You DO need to obtain a court order though if you are trying to change your gender AND your name in order to amend your birth certificate.

Have questions? Want to get started on your case? Contact us online or call (916) 794-4576 today.