INSTRUCTIONS: MT NAME CHANGE PACKET (Child)

All completed forms need filed with the District Court Office in the county where the minor currently resides.  Required forms include the following:

· Petition for Name Change (Child)

· Consent to Name Change of Minor Child

· Order Setting Hearing

· Notice of Hearing on Name Change of Minor Child (if either parent does not consent to the change of name)

· Order for Name Change

“MT Name Change Packet (Child) Step 1”

When filling out the forms, fill in all the blanks and sign and date in all appropriate locations.  All forms need signed in front of the Notary Public.  Make sure to complete the headings in all of the forms. 

“MT Name Change Packet (Child) Step 2”

Make copies of all the forms and take the originals to the District Court Clerk.  File the original Petition, Consent, Order, and Notice.  Have the clerk stamp the copies.  Pay all of the filing fees.  If you cannot afford the filing fees, ask the Clerk for an Affidavit of Inability to Pay.  Make sure you give the Clerk a stamped, self-addressed envelope to receive copies of the Order and Notice. 

“MT Name Change Packet (Child) Step 3”

Once the judge signs the Order for the hearing date, the petitioner will receive an Order Setting Hearing and Notice of Hearing.  Regard the Order to see where you need to publish the Notice of Hearing.  If you believe the minor’s safety is a concern with a Notice in the newspaper, ask the Clerk of steps you should take. 

Otherwise, a local newspaper will publish the Notice of Hearing for four consecutive weeks before the hearing occurs.  After publication, the newspaper will send receipt of the publication to the petitioner.  Bring the receipt with you to the hearing. 

“MT Name Change Packet (Child) Step 4”

Complete the Order for Name Change and bring the original and a copy with your to the hearing. 

“MT Name Change Packet (Child) Step 5”

Bring all copies of the forms with you to the hearing.  The minor will also have to attend the hearing because the judge will want to ask them questions.  Dress professionally, arrive early, and be prepared to answer any number of questions. 

“MT Name Change Packet (Child) Step 6”

If the name change is approved, bring the signed Order for Name Change to the Clerk. 

INSTRUCTIONS: PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME CIV-700

This process usually requires you to publish your change of name in the newspaper.  However, if you feel your personal safety is affected by such publication, ask the judge to waive the requirement. 

“Petition for Change of Name CIV-700 Step 1”

In black ink, write what city the court is located in at the top of the form.  On the “petitioner” line, use your current legal name.  Leave the case number blank; the clerk will fill in this line. 

“Petition for Change of Name CIV-700 Step 2”

After you’ve completed the rest of the blanks on the form, sign the form using your current legal name in front of Notary Public.  Bring a photo ID with your when having the form notarized. 

“Petition for Change of Name CIV-700 Step 3”

Make a copy of this form and file the original with the nearest superior court.  You’ll have to pay a $150 filing fee, but ask the clerk for instructions if you cannot pay the fee.  You’ll have to fill out Form TF-920.

“Petition for Change of Name CIV-700 Step 4”

You’ll receive a notice about the hearing stating the date of the hearing, whether you need to publish notice, what newspaper you have to publish notice in, and more.  The hearing will typically occur around 40 days after the date you receive notice. 

“Petition for Change of Name CIV-700 Step 5”

If you published notice, the newspaper will give you an Affidavit of Publication and you’ll have to file the form with the court before the hearing. 

“Petition for Change of Name CIV-700 Step 6”

During the hearing, you have state why you want to change your name and tell the judge you’re not trying to avoid debts or cause fraud.  If the judge agrees to the name change, he or she will sign a judgment ordering your name to be changed.  NO NOT start using your new name yet. 

“Petition for Change of Name CIV-700 Step 7”

If you’re required to publish notice, you can publish a “Notice of Judgment” in the newspaper within 10 days of the date of the judgment.  Return an affidavit to the court again. 

“Petition for Change of Name CIV-700 Step 8”

You will receive a Certificate of Name Change (CIV-705).  You can start using your new name on the date specified on the certificate.