The first step is for the petitioner to complete the Petition for Change of Name (CAFC401) and the Confidential Case Filing Information Sheet (FI-10). The Petition must be signed in front of a notary public before it can be submitted.

The petitioner must redact certain confidential information from a copy of their Petition.^[1] Instructions for redacting information can be found here. The petitioner must redact their date of birth and the names of any listed children, then sign the Redaction Certification (GN320) form.

The Petition, its redacted copy, the Redaction Certification, Confidential Case Filing Information Sheet, and the filing fee must be taken to the petitioner’s local circuit court to be submitted. The cost of filing varies by county. Those who cannot afford the fee may file an In Forma Pauperis Application (GN10) to request a waiver.

If a name change is approved, the court will send the petitioner a Judgment for Change of Name of Adult Individual. The Judgment will need to be published via the Request for Publication after Judgment of Change of Name (CAFC480) in the newspaper stated in the Judgment.^[3] The notice requirement may be waived if the petitioner is a victim of a crime, child abuse, or domestic abuse.^[4] 

Within 10 days of the final publication, the petitioner must provide proof of notice to the Office of the Clerk, stating that the notice was published.

Married individuals who wish to change their last name can do so via their marriage license application. After the wedding, they must obtain a certified copy of the marriage license from their local Recorder of Deeds to submit wherever proof of the change is required.

An individual may restore their maiden name during divorce proceedings with a request in their divorce petition. The name change will be included as a part of the final divorce decree.