After the name change petition has been filed with the court, you must provide “notice” to anyone who might object, to prevent fraudulent name changes.
Notice requirements fall into two categories:
- Public Notice through publication, (typically, a general circulation newspaper in your county) informing the public that the petition has been filed and specifying in what court.
- Notice to affected individuals and agencies, such as the petitioner’s children or spouse; the natural parents or guardian of a minor seeking a change of name; or state criminal records agencies.