If you were offered free meet-and-greets with Mark Sinclair, Diane Hall, Joaquin Bottom, and Eric Marlon Bishop, would you take them? I didn’t even know who these people were. However, if I were to tell you they changed their names to Vin Diesel, Diane Keaton, Joaquin Pheonix, and Jamie Foxx, respectively, you might change your mind, right? Many people, not just actors, change their names for various reasons. What if you wanted to file for a name change in Illinois? How do you do it?
If you were offered free meet-and-greets with Mark Sinclair, Diane Hall, Joaquin Bottom, and Eric Marlon Bishop, would you take them? I didn’t even know who these people were. However, if I were to tell you they changed their names to Vin Diesel, Diane Keaton, Joaquin Pheonix, and Jamie Foxx, respectively, you might change your mind, right? Many people, not just actors, change their names for various reasons. What if you wanted to file for a name change in Illinois? How do you do it?
Disclaimer: This article covers filing for a name change in Illinois for adults.
1. Am I qualified to file for a name change in Illinois?
1. Am I qualified to file for a name change in Illinois?
To qualify for a name change in Illinois, you must be at least 18 years old and have lived in Illinois for at least 6 months. I apologize to the rebellious teens and new residents that may be reading this. You cannot file for a name change in Illinois if you have been convicted of a felony, identity theft, or any offense that requires you to be registered as a sex offender. There are exceptions. I recommend consulting with an attorney.
To qualify for a name change in Illinois, you must be at least 18 years old and have lived in Illinois for at least 6 months. I apologize to the rebellious teens and new residents that may be reading this. You cannot file for a name change in Illinois if you have been convicted of a felony, identity theft, or any offense that requires you to be registered as a sex offender. There are exceptions. I recommend consulting with an attorney.
2. What forms do I need to file for a name change in Illinois, and what costs are involved?
2. What forms do I need to file for a name change in Illinois, and what costs are involved?
To request a name change in Illinois, you must file a “Request for Name Change.” Go figure. This form gives the court all of the information it needs to make a decision. You also need the signature of a person that knows you.
The second document you need is a “Notice of Filing a Request for Name Change.” This notifies the public that you are asking the court to change your name and must be published in a newspaper for 3 weeks.
Finally, you need an “Order for Name Change.” The judge in your case uses this form to grant or deny your “Request for Name Change.”
You will have to pay fees for filing, publication, and certified copies of your granted court order (if it is granted and you need certified copies). Apply for a fee waiver with the court if you cannot afford the fees.
To request a name change in Illinois, you must file a “Request for Name Change.” Go figure. This form gives the court all of the information it needs to make a decision. You also need the signature of a person that knows you.
The second document you need is a “Notice of Filing a Request for Name Change.” This notifies the public that you are asking the court to change your name and must be published in a newspaper for 3 weeks.
Finally, you need an “Order for Name Change.” The judge in your case uses this form to grant or deny your “Request for Name Change.”
You will have to pay fees for filing, publication, and certified copies of your granted court order (if it is granted and you need certified copies). Apply for a fee waiver with the court if you cannot afford the fees.
3. Where do I file the forms for a name change in Illinois?
3. Where do I file the forms for a name change in Illinois?
File the forms for a name change in Illinois in the county where you live. The clerk will give you a hearing date. Pay your filing fee or ask for a fee waiver.
Remember, it may be possible to file online. Check with your county’s clerk’s office. Save yourself a trip.
File the forms for a name change in Illinois in the county where you live. The clerk will give you a hearing date. Pay your filing fee or ask for a fee waiver.
Remember, it may be possible to file online. Check with your county’s clerk’s office. Save yourself a trip.
4. Do I have to publish my name change in Illinois?
4. Do I have to publish my name change in Illinois?
Yes, you must publish your “Notice of Filing a Request for Name Change” in a newspaper in the county where you reside once a week for 3 consecutive weeks. The notice must appear in a newspaper for the first time at least 6 weeks before your court date. Once the notice has appeared for 3 weeks, get a “Certificate of Publication” and file it in the courthouse.
Yes, you must publish your “Notice of Filing a Request for Name Change” in a newspaper in the county where you reside once a week for 3 consecutive weeks. The notice must appear in a newspaper for the first time at least 6 weeks before your court date. Once the notice has appeared for 3 weeks, get a “Certificate of Publication” and file it in the courthouse.
5. Do I have to make a court appearance for a name change in Illinois?
5. Do I have to make a court appearance for a name change in Illinois?
Yes, you will have to appear in court for a name change in Illinois. The judge will ask you some questions and either grant or deny your request. If your request is granted, get certified copies of the order from the clerk’s office in the courthouse. Certified copies are required to change your name on official records, like your birth certificate, driver’s license, and social security card.
Yes, you will have to appear in court for a name change in Illinois. The judge will ask you some questions and either grant or deny your request. If your request is granted, get certified copies of the order from the clerk’s office in the courthouse. Certified copies are required to change your name on official records, like your birth certificate, driver’s license, and social security card.