How do i legally change my name in the state of California?

Question

Where do I start, and what forms do I need, who do I submit them to?

I want to change it because I want to drop my fathers last name and have my mothers maiden name. So I do not have any marrige certificate nor divorce papers. I'm starting from scrath.

Answer 1

fill out this form...
http://www.courtinfo.ca.gov/forms/documents/nc100.pdf

this also tells you what other forms you will need. (scroll all the way down) you can them at you local courthouse or download them from home on this site.

http://www.courtinfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/forms.cgi

the filing fee in Ca is $320.00. or you can fill out a fee waiver application...
http://www.courtinfo.ca.gov/forms/documents/982a17.pdf

...and hope you qualify to have the fees waived.

you will also need to set a hearing date. after the hearing date is set, but before the hearing, you will need to run the name change in the newspaper for 4 wks. then on your hearing date, unless the judge feels there is reason not to , he will grant the name change. after that, there is some additional paperwork that will need to be submitted to the state to make it all official.
the first link i provided has instructions

good luck!

Answer 2

It's not that hard...just a little frustrating. Are you changing your name because of marriage or divorce if that is the case. First get your divorce/marriage papers to the social security office and have your name changed on your ss card, next the dmv and so on. Thats what I did

Answer 3

The California Name Change Law Center is a resource on changing your name in the State of California for non-lawyers and pro se litigants. Please let us know if we have omitted a link to an important state resource and we will gladly add it.

http://www.namechangelaw.com/states/ca/california.htm

Answer 4

Go to the civil actions filing desk at a courthouse. Ring the bell, tell the person what it is that you want to accomplish.