Name Change Glossary

Under state laws, the court may order that notice of the Petition be served upon any “affected” party. “Affected” parties include 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. There are two ways to give formal notice:

“Notice by personal service”: a deputy sheriff or private process server must deliver the notice directly to the interested party.
“Notice to the World” through publication, informing the public that the petition has been filed and specifying in what court.

In instances where an individual entitled to notice cannot be located for personal service, the court generally approves notice by publication.