Name Change (Youth & Young Adult Legal Issues Edition)

How can I legally change my name?

To change your name on your birth certificate, you must file papers with a court. Some common reasons for requesting a name change are:

• You do not like your name and would like a new one;
• You want to reclaim a family name;
• You want to escape a violent situation by creating a new legal identity; or
• You want to have the same last name as your partner, but you are unmarried.

A name change cannot be done to avoid debt, hide a criminal record, or for any other improper reason.

Pros of Formal Name Change:

• You can pick your new name
• You can request a new birth certificate and social security number after the court approves your name change
• A new legal name could help you make a fresh start
• You may ask the court to seal your court papers requesting a new name, which may help keep the link between your old and new names confidential
• An abuser or anyone trying to do you harm may have a harder time finding you if you have a new identity.

Cons of Formal Name Change:

• You have to go through a court proceeding
• The court proceeding and public notice may cost money – you can apply for a waiver of court fees
• Some people say it can be mentally and emotionally exhausting making the adjustment to a new name
• Your name must be changed with every agency you interact with, which can cause complications in receiving your public benefits.

Changing your name for safety:

If you are trying to escape a dangerous situation, people seek out the advice of a local advocate for legal advice and safety planning:

• For a local organization, go to the Montana Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence
• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or TTY 1-800-787-3224
• National Teen Dating Violence Hotline: 1-886-331-9474 or TTY: 1-866-331-8453.

Legal Help

• Montana Legal Services Association (MLSA) provides free civil, non-criminal legal help to eligible clients. Apply for free legal help by calling 1-800-666-6899 or applying online.
• For tribal members, find more information on name changes at MontanaLawHelp.org. If you are a tribal member living in a tribal community, contact MLSA to apply for free legal help on your specific situation at 1-800-666-6899 or by applying online.
• Contact your nearest Self Help Law Center for free legal information and forms.

Legal Forms

There are options for name change forms for minors and for filing with a sealed record (for those whose safety is at risk).

• Petition for Name Change for a Minor (write-in-the-blank)
• Petition for Name Change when Your Safety is at Risk (write-in-the-blank)
• Petition for Name Change (interactive form with all options)

Non-Legal Resources

• The Youth Homelessness Development Project (YHDP) is designed to support Montana service providers in the development and implementation of a coordinated community approach to preventing and ending youth homelessness. More information is avaliable at the YHDP website.
• County resource guides provide an up-to-date list of avaliable help centers.