Although Tel-Law information is periodically reviewed, it is important for you to realize that changes may occur in this area of law. This information is not intended to be legal advice regarding your particular problem, and it is not intended to replace the work of an attorney.
If you do not have an attorney, the Oregon State Bar Lawyer Referral Service can help you. Online Lawyer Referral Service information and a fill-in form is available. Or you may contact the service by phone: The number to call from the Portland area is 503-684-3763 or toll-free from anywhere else in Oregon, 1-800-452-7636.
The following information regarding change of name is brought to you as a public service by the lawyers of the State of Oregon. The material presented is intended to alert you to possible legal problems and solutions
How do I change my name?
You can change your name without legal proceedings merely by using the new name. This name change must not be used for fraudulent purposes or it will not be effective. If you are married, you can choose to keep your surname or take your spouse's surname. Oregon also has a more formal process for changing names for those who prefer proof of their new name. The rest of this topic discusses the formal process. If you are under 18, you may petition for a name change, but written notice must be given to your parents or legal guardian. You may need to have your parents' consent. You also may need to have an adult guardian appointed for the purpose of changing your name. A name change for a minor child does not create an adoption
How long does it take to change a name?
It takes about one month from the filing date of the initial documents. This time period varies from county to county
What is required to change a name?
Usually, seven documents are needed for a single adult name change that must be prepared and given to the court. More documents will be needed if you are under 18 or wish to change the names of your entire family. A brief hearing may be required, during which the judge reviews the documents and asks some basic questions
Who should prepare the papers?
If you need help, you have several choices. You can hire a lawyer to prepare and file the legal documents that must be given to the court. If you cannot afford to hire a lawyer and need legal help, there are agencies that will give you instructions and forms.
If you want to prepare and file the legal documents and represent yourself in court, you should refer to the relevant sections of the Oregon Revised Statutes and to both the Uniform Trial Court Rules and the Local Trial Court rules of the county in which you are applying
Where can I get the legal forms?
The necessary documents can be obtained from Stevens-Ness Stationary in Portland and at some office supply stores and bookstores. Some court clerks’ offices and law libraries also may have forms or sample documents.
- Petition for change of name;
- Order to give notice to appear and show cause,
- Notice of change of name hearing;
- Affidavit of proof of posting notice of hearing;
- Post order affidavit of posting;
- Change of name decree; and
- Notice of change of name.
These forms are designed for use by a single adult person. If you are under 18 years of age or wish to change the names of your whole family more documents are needed. You may need the help of a lawyer in these cases.
This process is not needed in the case of a name change in a dissolution.
How do I start the process to get a change of name?
The process begins when you file a petition. This petition states the facts of the case. Use your full legal name on this form and the others. Fill out two copies of every form completely, typing or printing neatly in black ink.
File the completed petition with the clerk of the circuit court at the county courthouse. You must file in the county where you live and pay a fee. For the rest of the process and the posting of notices, ask either the court clerk or a local lawyer because the process is different in each county. Before you leave the courthouse, be sure that you have filled out your copy of the forms and that you know the date of your hearing and the date you filed the notice. You then must post the Notice of Change of Name Hearing. Ask the clerk of the circuit court where these notices should be posted.
The hearing allows anyone who may object to the name change to come before the court. Remember to take all of your papers with you. Allow yourself ten or fifteen minutes of extra time to find the courtroom where your hearing will be.
After the hearing and the granting of your change of name, you must complete and post the Notice of Change of Name. After 14 days and the proper notice of the posting, the court clerk will issue a certificate of change of name.
A change of name, if requested, is given for an adoption or a divorce without posting these notices or taking these steps.
This information is from the Oregon State Bar's Tel-law service, a collection of recorded legal information messages prepared by the lawyers of Oregon. In addition to being online, the Tel-law service is accessible by telephone at 503-620-3000 or toll-free in Oregon only, 1-800-452-4776. A touch tone phone allows direct access 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To receive a free Tel-law brochure listing the subjects available call 503-620-0222, ext. 0.