Changing a Name
MCA 27-31-101 — a petition to the district court where the person lives, and notice published for 4 weeks
A name change is asked of the district court of the county where the person lives, by a signed petition giving the place of birth, residence, present name, proposed name and the reason. For someone under 18, a parent signs too.
Who handles this in Montana: legal aid programs, lawyer referral and the state offices, listed in the Montana directory.
- Notice of the hearing is published for 4 successive weeks in a county newspaper, or posted in three public places where there is none.
- No publication is needed for a minor when both parents and every guardian consent in writing.
- The court may seal the record when the petitioner's safety is at risk and the change is not to avoid debt or hide a criminal record.
At the hearing the court may question the petitioner and anyone objecting under oath, and then orders the change or dismisses the petition.
Sources for this section (5)
- MCA 27-31-101 — Petition for change of name of natural person
- MCA 27-31-103 — District court jurisdiction
- MCA 27-31-201 — Order setting hearing date -- notice -- safety
- MCA 27-31-203 — Conduct of hearing
- MCA 27-31-204 — Court order
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Montana attorney.