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Name change

Adult name change (not in a divorce) — cost and time?

CAnewleaf20261 month ago

Want to legally change my first and last name. Not connected to a divorce. What's the process?

1 reply

✓ Verified answer from a licensed attorney — shown first

Lucia Rivera avatarLucia RiveraVerified Attorney1 month ago

In CA: file NC-100 (petition), NC-110 (proposed order), pay ~$435 filing fee (waivable via FW-001), publish notice in a court-approved newspaper for four consecutive weeks (~$50-$250 depending on county and paper), attend the hearing 6-12 weeks later, get the signed order. Total time: 2-3 months. Total cost with publication: $200-$700 if you don't qualify for a fee waiver. You can do it pro per — the self-help center at your courthouse will walk you through. CA also waives publication for survivors of certain crimes and for gender-affirming name changes.

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Please readThis is a community space for sharing personal experience — it is not legal advice, and posts here are not from Lawma or your attorney. We strongly encourage you to post under an anonymous handle, keep questions general, and avoid posting private details of your active case. For advice about your own situation, message your attorney.