Divorce, complicated spelling, tricky pronunciation, personal preference -- there are several reasons why you may want to change your name. And though the rules have changed recently, it's still a relatively straightforward procedure.

How to Change Your Name in California provides step-by-step instructions and all the forms you need to:

• choose a name and make it your own
• change back to your former name after divorce
• change your child's name
• get a new or amended birth certificate for you or your child
• get a new driver license, Social Security card and passport
• get a court to recognize a change of gender

The 12th edition reflects the latest rules and regulations stemming from the Patriot Act and the rise of identity theft, and provides the latest forms as tear-outs.

Nolo has dozens of products created just for California residents. Check out Nolo's list of California products.

• Ex Parte Application for Restoration of Former Name After Entry of Judgment and Order
• Petition for Change of Name
• Attachment to Petition for Change of Name
• Order to Show Cause for Change of Name
• Decree Changing Name
• Civil Case Cover Sheet
• Supplemental Attachment to Petition for Change of Name (Declaration of Guardian)
• Decree Changing Name of Minor (by Guardian)
• Petition for Change of Name and Gender
• Order to Show Cause for Change of Name and Gender
• Decree Changing Name and Gender
• Medical Information Authorization
• Information Sheet on Waiver of Court Fees and Costs
• Application for Waiver of Court Fees and Costs
• Attachment
• Order on Application for Waiver of Court Fees and Costs
• Proof of Service of Order to Show Cause
• Missing Parent Search Log
• Declaration
• Declaration of Physician Documenting Change of Gender Through Surgical Treatment
• Petition for Change of Gender and Issuance of New Birth Certificate
• Notice of Hearing on Petition for Change of Gender and Issuance of New Birth Certificate
• Order for Change of Gender and Issuance of New Birth Certificate

Introduction: Your Name Change Companion

1. Methods for Changing Your Name

• How to Change an Adult’s Name
• How to Change a Child’s Name

2 What’s Your Name?

• What’s Your Name?
• Multiple Last Names
• Multiple First Names
• Pen, Stage, and Other Business Names

3. Restrictions on New Names

• Famous Names
• Fictitious Names
• Initials, Numbers, Punctuation, and One-Word Names
• Racial Slurs, Fighting Words, and Other Forbidden Names
• Titles and Forms of Address
• Names You May Give a Child at Birth

4. Marriage, Divorce, and Custody

• Marriage
• Divorce and Annulment
• Custody, Remarriage, and Children’s Names

5. Birth Certificates

• Children and Birth Certificates
• Adults and Birth Certificates

6. Basics of the Court Petition

• An Overview of the Court Petition Process and This Chapter
• Filing on Behalf of a Child
• Getting Information From Your Superior Court
• Getting Your Papers in Order
• Basic Name Change Forms
• Forms for Legal Guardians

7. Changing Your Name and Birth Certificate

• After Changing Your Gender
• Forms for Change of Name and Gender
• Gender Change Without Surgery
• Alternatives to Court Recognition of Your Gender Change
• Getting Court Recognition of Your Gender When You Have Already Changed Your Name
• Filing Your Petition, Publishing Your Order to Show Cause, and Obtaining Your Order
• Obtaining a New Birth Certificate

8. Filing, Publishing, and Serving Your Court Petition

• File Papers With the Court
• Arrange for Publication of the Order to Show Cause
• The Service of Process Requirement (Minor’s Name Change)
• Publishing Notice to the Other Parent
• Waiver of Publication Requirement

9. Final Steps Toward Changing Your Name

• Appear in Court, if Necessary
• Steps to Take After Your Name Change

10. How to Get Your New Name Accepted

• Documentation
• Notify Agencies and Institutions: A Chart

11. Finding Additional Help

• When You Might Need a Lawyer
• Hiring an Attorney
• Legal Document Assistants ("Typing Services")
• Doing Your Own Legal Research

Appendix A: How to Use the CD-ROM

• Installing the Form Files Onto Your Computer
• Using the Spreadsheet
• Using the Judicial Council of California Forms
• Forms Included on the CD-ROM

Appendix B: Sample Blank Forms

• Forms for Changing Your Name or a Minor’s Name:

• • Ex Parte Application for Restoration of Former Name After Entry of Judgment and Order
  • Petition for Change of Name
  • Attachment to Petition for Change of Name
  • Order to Show Cause for Change of Name
  • Decree Changing Name
  • Civil Case Cover Sheet
  • Supplemental Attachment to Petition for Change of Name (Declaration of Guardian)
  • Decree Changing Name of Minor (by Guardian)

• Forms for Changing Your Name and Gender:

• • Petition for Change of Name and Gender
  • Declaration of Physician Documenting Change of Gender Through Surgical
  • Treatment Under Health and Safety Code Sections 103425 and 103430
  • Order to Show Cause for Change of Name and Gender
  • Decree Changing Name and Gender
  • Medical Information Authorization

• Forms for Changing Your Gender Only and Getting a New Birth Certificate:

• • Petition for Change of Gender and Issuance of New Birth Certificate
  • Notice of Hearing on Petition for Change of Gender and Issuance of New Birth Certificate
  • Order for Change of Gender and Issuance of New Birth Certificate

• Fee Waiver and Miscellaneous Forms:

• • Information Sheet on Waiver of Court Fees and Costs
  • Application for Waiver of Court Fees and Costs
  • Attachment
  • Order on Application for Waiver of Court Fees and Costs
  • Proof of Service of Order to Show Cause
  • Missing Parent Search Log
  • Declaration

Index

Here are summaries of important legal or procedural changes that affect the latest edition of this product.