Virginia Name Change Important Notice
The documents you are preparing are for simple, uncontested court ordered name change. Uncontested means that no one objects to the proposed name change.
Additionally, the applicant - adult or minor child - qualifies to use these documents and instructions if he/she:
- Has lived in Virginia and in the county/city where name change will be filed for at least six (6) months.
- Is seeking the change for a legitimate reason, with no intention of fraud.
- Is not filing, or has filed, bankruptcy.
- Does not have liens or judgments against him/her.
- Currently, is not on probation, parole or in prison, or has not been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor.
Other notes if the application is for a minor child:
- The minor child and the petitioner(s) must meet the requirements stated above.
- Adults petitioning for the change should include one or both parents, or managing conservators, guardians or other persons who have been given legal rights to the child in a court order.
- If the parents of the children are single, separated or divorced, both parents still must consent to the name change, even if one parent has "sole custody". Exceptions would be if one or both parents had their rights to the children terminated by court order or if the parents are deceased.
Alternatives to court ordered name change:
- If the applicant - adult or minor - is correcting a first or middle name on a birth certificate and was born in Virginia, inquire and find out if you can make the correction working directly with the Office of Vital Records in Virginia: http://www.vitalrec.com/va.html.
- If an adult applicant is changing a name due to marriage, or to a maiden or former name due to death of spouse or divorce, inquire with a Court Clerk if there is a simplified procedure to change the name versus through this court ordered name change process.
Fairfax County and Virginia Beach County Note:
- Adult Name Change - there are separate products specifically for these counties.
Pittsylvania, Prince William and Virginia Beach County Notes:
- Residents of these counties cannot use these documents, as your local court has specific documents and procedures that must be utilized.
Virginia Name Change Forms
Self-Prepared
| Adult Name Change | $29.95 |
Legal Technician-Prepared
| Adult Name Change | $69.95 |
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