INSTRUCTIONS: PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME (Adult) JDF-433

In order to file the petition, you need to be a resident of the county you’re filing in, you must be 18 years of age or older, and you cannot be convicted of a felony in this state or any other state.  There will be a filing fee of $83.00.  You will also need the following forms along with the petition:

· Order for Publication for Change of Name (JDF 426)

· Public Notice (JDF 427)

· Final Decree for Change of Name (JDF 448)

“Petition for Change of Name (Adult) JDF-433 Step 1”

You need to undergo a fingerprint-based criminal history check.  You can get your fingerprints done at your local law enforcement office.  The fingerprint cards need mailed to the CBI and the FBI, and the criminal history results must be received at least 90 days before the filing of the petition. 

“Petition for Change of Name (Adult) JDF-433 Step 2”

Complete all four forms.  Attach the criminal history checks to the Petition.  Only complete the caption for JDF 448. 

“Petition for Change of Name (Adult) JDF-433 Step 3”

Take all of the completed forms to your clerk.  Pay the filing fees or fill out the necessary forms to waive the filing fees.  Sign the Petition before the clerk. 

“Petition for Change of Name (Adult) JDF-433 Step 4”

Once the Order of Publication is submitted, you need to publish notice for the change of name at least three times within 21 days of the date on the order.  Use the Public Notice (JDF 427) to file the order with the newspaper.  You can waive publication if you meet any of the following circumstances:

· You are the victim of a crime including domestic violence under §18-6-800.3(1), C.R.S.

· You are the victim of child abuse under §18-6-401, C.R.S.

· You are the victim of domestic violence under §13-14-101(2), C.R.S.

“Petition for Change of Name (Adult) JDF-433 Step 5”

Submit the proof of publication with the court.  Appropriate notice can be in the form of the newspaper articles.  If you were not required to publish the notice, you will receive the Decree on the date ordered by the court.

You may need copies of the Decree for changing your records such as a birth certificate, social security card, driver’s license, etc.  There will additional fees for more copies.