All residents of Colorado who have not been convicted of felony are allowed by law to petition for a name change at a local court using a Colorado name change form. However, if the reason for a name change is any of marriage, divorce or separation, they may submit a marriage license, divorce decree or separation decree instead.
In this article, we will be highlighting what a Colorado Name change form is, how it works, and key considerations in changing names in Colorado, among others.
The name change Colorado template should include the following information:
- An attestation declaring that the name change is not being requested in order to conduct fraud or a crime.
- Sign on a notarized form consenting to the current name change or be present at the hearing date in case you are a minor.
- Previous name.
- New name.
What Is a Colorado Name Change Form & How Does It Work?
The first step in the name change process in Colorado is filling a name change form. There are two types of name change forms available in CO, one for adults and the other for a minor child. An individual may choose to change their name for any legal reason. This application would usually be granted as long as the name change is consistent with the interest of the public, all requirements were met, and the petitioner isn’t changing their name for fraudulent purposes. Still, the decision to approve this application or not is totally at the court’s discretion.
A woman who wishes to take her husband’s last name after marriage or change her name to her maiden name after a divorce or separation isn’t required to file a petition.
How to Legally Change Your Name in Colorado?
With proper guidance, you should be able to get through a legal name change in Colorado easily. However, note that it is a protracted process and might take some time for approval. Here is how to change your name in Colorado:
Background check:
To begin with, a fingerprint-based criminal check will be conducted by both the Colorado Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This background check must be conducted within 90 days prior to when the petition is filed.
Fill change of name forms:
The petitioner is then required to obtain the change of name form and fill accordingly. There are two name change forms for adults – those between ages 18 and 70 years and another for seniors aged 70 and above.
This form should be attached to the background check forms, then all signed in the presence of the court clerk or notary public.
Submit additional documents:
The petitioner is then required to download and fill accordingly an Order for Publication for Change of Name and a Public Notice of Petition for Change of Name. Then, make copies of their filings.
File petition:
He/She should then file their petition with the court for a filing fee of $100 upon submission of the documents. If they cannot afford this fee, they should complete a Motion to File without Payment and Supporting Financial Affidavit and submit to the court’s clerk..
Hearing:
The individual then prepares for a hearing where the judge is poised to ask them about the reasons for their name of change request. This is however not required for anyone above age 70.
Publish name change in a newspaper publication:
The individual who files for a name change request is then required to publish their completed Public Notice for change of name at a local newspaper at least three times within twenty-one days. The only exceptions are those who have been victims of domestic, and child abuse or seniors above age 70.
Change of Name decree:
The petitioner is required to tender a copy of the newspaper notice. If their name change request is approved, they would be given a signed copy of the Final Decree for Change of Name.
When Do People Change Their Names in Colorado?
There are several reasons why one may want to change their names in Colorado. Some of these reasons are:
- Divorce
- Separation
- Marriage
- Changing of gender and identity
- Adoption
- Disassociation from a family name
Key Considerations in Changing Names in Colorado
Before your name change application is granted, you must be at least 18 years old. If you wish to have a name change after marriage in Colorado, the procedure is less tedious. All you need do really is to sign some documents like a marriage license application and include your new name in it.
Other important considerations to be made include:
- The new name must not contain any racial slur or curse
- You must have not criminal record
- You must also be able to give your reasons for change of name.
Conclusion
You can begin your name change process today by filling a name change Colorado form. Hurry now to CocoSign to download one of the free name change templates and fillable forms available on the platform.