Legal Question in Family Law in California

Re: Name Change

You don't need an attorney. There is one, very simple, form. Go to the clerk's office and get the form for change of name after divorce. Fill out the top part (you'll need to know the date of entry of judgment in the divorce). Fill out the bottom form putting in your former name. Make as many copies as you feel you need (DMV, California Sec of State, Social Security, etc.). Take to clerk's office. They might just stamp the judge's name right there. Ask for your copies to be "certified" (this will cost you about $7 per page). If the clerk can't do it, ask when you can see the judge ex parte. That will cost you $23

This only works for restoration of a previous name. If that is the case, put your name on the form exactly correct.

Re: Name Change

There are a couple of options. If you want an attorney to do it and you live in So. CA I could do better on the price but it would still be $2-300. The main cost is because a court appearance is involved.

The cheapest option is to just start using the name you want without officially changing it. this is perfectly legal. If you want to change it officially, it is not too hard to do without a lawyer. Go get the forms from the court clerk and look them over and see how comfortable you feel with them. also check www.nolo.com . I think the may have a book on how to do it.