Legal Question in Family Law in California
Adult name change
What proceedure should one follow to effect a legal name change for an adult in the state of California? (My step-son is 19 and in the Navy. He would like to have the same name as the rest of his siblings and parents.) Can he merely file a petition in superior court? What are the advantages of professional legal help?
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Adult name change
it is a simple petition. the advantage of using a lawyer is that if you make a mistake you have to start over.
Re: Adult name change
You simply file a petition for a name change in Superior court. No consents are needed and you just set it for hearing. The advantage of a lawyer is that they have the forms and know what forms need to be filed when. Some lawyers will charge just for the paperwork and let you handle everything else for a reasonable fee.
You might want to consider an adult adoption. That is also very simple but gives the child the same rights as to his step brothers and sisters with the stepfather. That is, he becomes a legal child of the step parent with all of the privileges. Again you just file a petition, no investigation or consents are required except the spouse of the step parent has to give their permission. Usually happens very quick and again an attorney can be consulted to do the paperwork reasonably. Feel free to call me if you have further questions at (800) 955-9504
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