Changing Your Name
Code Civ. Proc. 1276 — a petition in the county of residence, granted without a hearing if no one objects
A California name change is applied for in the superior court of the county where the person lives, by petition signed by the person or, for someone under 18, by a parent or guardian, or a near relative or friend if both parents have died and there is no guardian. The petition gives the place of birth and residence, the present name, the proposed name and the reason.
The court orders anyone interested to appear at a hearing not less than 6 weeks nor more than 12 weeks away, and the order is published in a newspaper of general circulation in the county; four weekly publications are enough. A court may allow another method, or waive publication, after diligent efforts fail.
No objection, no hearing. The petition is heard only if someone files objections showing good cause against the change. If no objection is filed at least two court days before the hearing date, the court may grant the change without a hearing.
A petition for a minor signed by only one parent gives the other parent's address if known. A person 12 or older relinquished to an adoption agency and not adopted signs the petition with the agency.
Sources for this section (3)
- Code Civ. Proc. 1276 — Change of name: where and how the application is made
- Code Civ. Proc. 1277 — Change of name: order to show cause and publication
- Code Civ. Proc. 1278 — Change of name: hearing and order
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed California attorney.