Legal Question in Intellectual Property in California

I want to begin processing Copyrights of my artwork, but before that occurs, I have a name Change question that somewhat pertains to Copyright Law. I was born as a legal US citizen with the name Richard( birth certificate +SS card) however since I was a child I have always been called Rick for 42 Years. No one ever calls me Richard, however some of my more important legal forms (i.e. Social Security) still say "Richard" and I want to CHANGE everything to RICK. Is there an easy, very cost effective(possibly free), legal alternative to changing my name from Richard to RICK so I can proceed with the Copyright process? Since 'Rick' has and always has been a common use of the name Richard; in this instance; would it be more like an similar/common use of the name Richard and not considered a "change" ? i.e. a "form" of Richard? BTW : If any relevance, I was born in Pennsylvania but now live in CA.
Thank you kindly!

Asked on 2/25/11, 9:26 am

2 Answers from Attorneys

Hong Shen

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Here is an answer from CA court website. It is not easy but tedious, after which you still need to get new SS card, DL, and documents like that.

How do I Ask the Court to Change my Name?

Fill out the Petition for Change of Name (Form NC-100), including the Attachment to Petition (Form NC-110) and make 2 copies of each.

Fill out the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (Form NC-120) and make 2 copies.

Some courts require you to fill out local forms to ask for a name change, like a Criminal Background Information Form. Ask your local court if there are local forms you have to fill out.

Fill out the Civil Case Cover Sheet (Form CSM-010)

File all your papers with the copies in the court in the county where you live.

Publish the Order to Show Cause in a newspaper of general circulation once per week for 4 weeks in a row�ask your court for a list of newspapers. Not all newspapers are valid, and the fees they charge are different, so call around.

Go to your court date and take the proof of publication from the newspaper. You will also need the Decree Changing Name (Form NC-130) for the judge to sign.

Once you get your Decree Changing Name, get a certified copy from the court. You will need this to change all your legal documents, including your birth certificate, social security card, and other papers like passport.

Answered on 2/25/11, 9:37 am

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