There are many reasons one may want to legally change their name, from marriage or divorce to simply desiring a new identity. While name changes are routinely approved in most cases, the process still involves precise legal steps. Having an experienced family lawyer to advise you can ensure the process goes smoothly. Bagner Law has handled numerous name change petitions in San Leandro and surrounding areas. Here they outline key information you need to know when navigating a name change in San Leandro, CA.
Why People Change Their Names
Some common reasons people change their names include:
- Marriage – Taking a spouse’s surname or hyphenating both names.
- Divorce – Reverting to a prior name after divorce.
- Adoption – Taking the family name of an adoptive parent.
- Gender transition – Choosing a new name to reflect gender identity.
- Avoiding debt collectors or legal judgements under previous name.
- Establishing a new identity after immigrating from another country.
- Personal preference for a new name or wishing to honor family by taking a relative’s name.
The Legal Name Change Process
To legally change your name in California, you must go through the proper court process which involves:
- Filing a name change petition in civil court – This provides info on your current legal name, new name, and reason for change.
- Submitting supplementary documents – Such as birth certificate, marriage license, etc.
- Fingerprinting – California requires fingerprinting for all name change petitions.
- Public notification – Your petition gets published in a local newspaper for 4 successive weeks.
- Court hearing – You’ll appear before a judge to formally request the name change.
- Receiving the court order – If approved, the court order makes your new name legal.
Any minor children will also need to be included in the name change process if the parent is seeking to change the children’s names too. The minor must not object to the name change.
Why Consult a Family Lawyer?
A family lawyer can ensure you take all the right steps by:
- Handling the paperwork and filings.
- Ensuring you meet residency and other requirements.
- Advising you on laws and typical procedures in San Leandro courts.
- Representing your case effectively at the hearing.
This prevents delays, complications, or denials. It also alleviates the stress of navigating complex legal proceedings alone.
Potential Grounds for Denial
Name changes may be denied in certain cases, such as:
- Fraudulent reasons provided for the name change.
- Outstanding debts or legal judgements that would be avoided under a new name.
- A convicted felon attempting to establish a new identity.
- Minor children objecting to a parent’s petition to change their name.
With an attorney’s counsel, you can avoid the pitfalls that may lead to denial. Bagner Law will advise if your circumstances could prompt denial and strategize accordingly.
Look to Bagner Law for Your Name Change
The experienced family lawyers at Bagner Law are intimately familiar with California laws and San Leandro court procedures around name changes. If you are looking to legally change your name, rely on their expertise to ensure an efficient process. Call today at (510) 351-5345 to schedule a consultation.
