Changing A Name
W. Va. Code § 48-25-101 — a petition in the county of residence, and notice published ten days before the hearing
A person may petition the circuit or family court of the county where they live to change their own name or their child's, affirming at least one year of residence in the county, the reason, the new name, and that it is not to avoid debts, the law or arrest.
Ten days' notice. At least ten days before the hearing, the petitioner publishes a notice of the time and place as a Class I legal advertisement.
The court may order the change once satisfied that no one will be injured, the statements are true, and there is reasonable cause without fraudulent intent.
The court may not grant a change to someone incarcerated for a felony or required to register as a sex offender during that time. A spouse may also resume a former name in a divorce without a separate petition.
Sources for this section (2)
- W. Va. Code § 48-25-101 — Petition to circuit court or family court for change of name; contents thereof; notice of application
- W. Va. Code § 48-25-103 — When court may or may not order change of name
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed West Virginia attorney.