Legal Question in Family Law in California

Re: Changing my last name

California recognizes a right to change one's name without

a court order. You simply use the new name consistently, for all

purposes (and without any intent to defraud). The DMV will issue

a new license in that name; they have a form to fill out for a change of

name.

You can also have the name changed through an action in the Superior Court. This

will give you an official paper to point to which changes your name. The action is fairly

simple. Most courts have a "Change of Name" set of papers which they sell for a

small fee. You will need to publish notice and appear at a hearing.