Petition for Name Change: How Do You Change Your Name in FL

Petition for Name Change: New Signature

Changing your legal name in Florida is a formal court process that requires filing a petition for name change and receiving judicial approval. Whether you are changing your name after a life event or updating a child’s name, understanding how to you change your name through the proper process can help prevent delays and confusion.

Florida does not recognize a name change simply because you start using a new name. To make the change official, it must be approved by the circuit court in the county where you reside.

What Is a Petition for Name Change in Florida

A petition for name change is a written request filed with the court asking for permission to legally change a person’s name. Florida has court-approved packets for adult name changes and separate packets for minor children. Using the correct petition for name change is essential, as the forms request specific information required by statute.

The petition generally includes identifying details such as your current legal name, the requested new name, place of birth, length of Florida residency, and the reason for the name change. The court reviews this information to confirm that the request is lawful and not being made for an improper purpose.

How Do You Change Your Name Through the Court Process

Understanding how to you change your name in Florida involves more than just completing paperwork. Once a petition for name change is filed with the clerk of court, the case follows a defined court process that varies slightly by county.

Adult Petition for Name Change

In most adult cases, Florida requires fingerprinting as part of a criminal history background check, unless the request is to restore a former name. Fingerprints must be submitted and processed before the court schedules a hearing. After filing, a judge will review the petition and may ask brief questions at the hearing before issuing a final judgment.

Petition for Name Change for a Minor

A petition for name change involving a minor child has additional requirements. These may include parental consent, notice to the other parent, and supporting documentation. The court evaluates whether the name change is in the best interest of the child before granting approval.

After Approval of a Petition for Name Change

If the court approves the petition for name change, a final judgment is issued. This court order is the legal authority needed to update your name with government agencies and private institutions. It is typically used to update records with the Social Security Administration, Florida driver license offices, passport services, banks, employers, and insurance providers.

Keeping certified copies of the final judgment is important, as many agencies require official copies when updating records.

Working With a Legal Document Preparer

Although Florida provides public access to name change forms, many people find the process time-consuming and confusing due to detailed paperwork, fingerprint requirements, and local filing rules. Working with a legal document preparer can help ensure that your petition for name change is completed accurately and organized properly before filing.

A legal document preparer assists with document preparation only and does not provide legal advice. This support can be especially helpful for individuals who want help navigating forms and procedural requirements without handling everything on their own.

Help With Your Petition for Name Change in Florida

PennySmart Group assists with document preparation for Florida name change petitions for adults and minors. If you need help preparing and organizing the required court documents or understanding the general filing process, help is available.

To get started, contact PennySmart Group by phone or text at 941-282-5787, chat online, or schedule a free 15-minute consultation through our website.