Changing one’s name can be a significant decision and is often done for various reasons such as marriage, divorce, or personal preference. In the state of Illinois, the process of legally changing your name can be different for adults and minors. This article will outline the steps, legal actions, and estimated costs for both adults and minors to change their names in Illinois.

Adult Name Change

In Illinois, adults can change their name through a legal process known as a petition for a name change. This process can be done by filing a petition in the circuit court of the county where the petitioner (the person requesting the name change) resides.

Steps for an Adult Name Change

1. Obtain a name change petition form: This form can be obtained from the circuit court clerk’s office or downloaded from the court’s website.
2. Fill out the petition form: The petition form will require information such as the petitioner’s current name, the new name requested, and the reason for the name change.
3. File the petition: The completed petition form should be filed with the circuit court clerk’s office along with the filing fee. In Illinois, the filing fee for a name change petition is around $300.
4. Publish a notice: After the petition has been filed, a notice of the petition must be published in a local newspaper for three consecutive weeks. This is to give notice to any interested parties who may object to the name change.
5. Attend the hearing: A hearing will be scheduled by the court, and the petitioner must attend. The court will review the petition and any objections that may have been made. If the court finds that the name change is in the best interest of the petitioner, the name change will be granted.

Estimated Costs

The estimated costs for an adult name change in Illinois can vary, but typically include the following:

• Filing fee: $300
• Publication fee: $100 to $200
• Attorney’s fees: $500 to $1000

It’s worth noting that the cost can vary depending on the county.

Minor Name Change

The process of legally changing a minor’s name in Illinois is similar to that of an adult, but there are some additional steps that must be taken.

Steps for a Minor Name Change

1. Obtain a name change petition form: This form can be obtained from the circuit court clerk’s office or downloaded from the court’s website.
2. Fill out the petition form: The petition form will require information such as the minor’s current name, the new name requested, and the reason for the name change. Additionally, the petition must be signed by both parents or legal guardians.
3. File the petition: The completed petition form should be filed with the circuit court clerk’s office along with the filing fee. In Illinois, the filing fee for a minor name change petition is around $300.
4. Publish a notice: After the petition has been filed, a notice of the petition must be published in a local newspaper for three consecutive weeks. This is to give notice to any interested parties who may object to the name change.
5. Attend the hearing: A hearing will be scheduled by the court, and the parents or legal guardians must attend. The court will review the petition and any objections that may have been made. If the court finds that the name change is in the best interest of the minor, the name change will be granted.

Estimated Costs

The estimated costs for a minor name change in Illinois can vary, but typically include the following:

• Filing fee: $300
• Publication fee: $100 to $200
• Attorney’s fees: $500 to $1000

It’s worth noting that the cost can vary depending on the county.

Considerations

It’s important to note that in both adult and minor name change cases, the court will consider the best interest of the petitioner or the minor before granting the name change. This may include factors such as any potential harm or embarrassment that may result from the name change, as well as the reasons for the name change. Additionally, if the name change is related to a criminal case or an ongoing legal dispute, the court may deny the petition.

In conclusion, changing one’s name in Illinois can be a complex process that requires legal action. Both adults and minors can change their names through a petition for name change, but the process may have additional steps and considerations for minors. It’s important to be aware of the costs and to consider the best interest of the petitioner or the minor before proceeding with a name change. If you’re unsure about the process or have any questions, Johnston Tomei Lennczycki & Goldberg, LLC offers complimentary consultations to discuss the process. Call our office today!