Residents of Wisconsin over the age of 14 can file a petition to change their name in their county of residence, as long as it is not done for fraudulent purposes. The court will likely grant the Petition for Change of Name if there is no sufficient cause shown to the contrary.http://www.wicourts.gov/services/public/selfhelp/faqsname.htm Those under 14 years of age can still petition the court to have their name changed, but the petition needs to be submitted by an appropriate adult, such as both parents or a surviving parent; the guardian or person who has legal custody of the minor; or the minor’s mother if the parents have not married, if the child is not adopted, and if paternity of the minor has not been determined.http://www.wicourts.gov/services/public/selfhelp/faqsname.htm This page provides information on how to change your name in Wisconsin.

The State of Wisconsin acknowledges the common law right to change a name through consistent and continuous use. This right also applies to name change upon marriage.http://www.wicourts.gov/services/public/selfhelp/faqsname.htm Those engaged in professions for which the State of Wisconsin requires a license, other than to teach in public schools, may be restricted. If you are in this category and your name change is for a reason other than marriage or divorce, you may need the approval of your licensing board or commission to change your name to a name other than that on your license. Contact the appropriate board to find out about requirements.http://www.wicourts.gov/formdisplay/CV-490_instructions.pdf?formNumber=CV-490&formType=Instructions&formatId=2&language=enThose required to register as sex offenders cannot change their names.http://www.wicourts.gov/services/public/selfhelp/faqsname.htm

The following forms to legally make a name change in Wisconsin must be typed or printed in black ink, and filed with the clerk of circuit court office in your county. Make at least two copies of the finalized Petition for a Name Change form, Notice and Order for Name Change Hearing, and Order for Change of Name (if required in your county). There will be a fee required, and exact procedures vary locally, but a date and time will be assigned for the hearing and some copies of forms will be authenticated and returned.http://www.wicourts.gov/formdisplay/CV-490_instructions.pdf?formNumber=CV-490&formType=Instructions&formatId=2&language=en

State law requires publication, once a week for three weeks, of the Notice and Order for Name Change Hearing form. The newspaper, where the petitioner resides, will charge a fee for this service. After publication is completed and paid for, the newspaper will mail a Proof of Publication affidavit to the petitioner. Follow local court rules for filing the proof of publication with the clerk of courts before the hearing date or presenting it at the name change hearing.http://www.wicourts.gov/services/public/selfhelp/faqsname.htm

Be on time and polite when attending the name change hearing. You must have the Proof of Publication affidavit and the original or certified copy of the birth certificate. If the case is successful, a change of name will be granted. http://www.wicourts.gov/formdisplay/CV-490_instructions.pdf?formNumber=CV-490&formType=Instructions&formatId=2&language=en

File the Order for Name Change according to local court procedure and purchase at least two certified copies. Those born or married in Wisconsin must take or mail a copy of the order to the state registrar to make the change on your birth and/or marriage certificate. There will be a charge. Go to: Wisconsin Office of Vital Records, PO Box 309, Madison, WI 53701-0309. If born or married outside of Wisconsin, write to that state’s vital records office to find out what is required to change a birth or marriage certificate.http://www.wicourts.gov/services/public/selfhelp/faqsname.htm

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional legal advice. Please contact a law professional before using the information presented here.