Start Name Change Service

We Are California Name Change Specialists

This is Important. It's Personal. We Get It.
Name change can be life-changing. You may need to make official the name you already use, or change a part of your name or your child’s name—either way, it’s important. If you know the exact name you want for every legal purpose and are ready to get started, or if you’re simply gathering information about the name change process, we’re here to guide you.

Name Change Service in California

We provide complete support throughout the legal name change process. That means we prepare all the necessary forms for your case, submit your documents to the correct court, help coordinate filing fees, and assist with scheduling your court hearing. Our goal is to make the process as simple, fast, and stress-free as possible—with expert guidance every step of the way.

How Name Change Services Compare?

When it comes to legally changing your name, not all options offer the same level of support. Start Name Change provides guided, professional help through every step of the court process—saving you time, reducing stress, and improving your chances of success. Compare for yourself and see the difference expert name change document assistance can make.

SNC FULL SERVICE
Gov & Court Websites
Name Change "Kits"
Services Provided
Start-to-Finish Process Assistance
Do Everything Yourself
Post-Court Name Change Kits
Summary of Services
Prepares and files your court petition, arranges publication, and guides you through the entire legal name change process start to finish.
Provides blank court forms and general instructions; you’re responsible for completing, filing, publishing, and managing the process yourself.
Does not help with the legal name change process; provides pre-filled forms to update your records AFTER you’ve obtained your court order.
Pre-Service Review
Name Change Review w/ an Expert
There are 7 different types of name change scenarios. Which kind do you have?
Name Change Court Forms
Online Name Change Questionnaire
Forms Prepared for You
Documents Checked for Accuracy
Costs
$115
$0
$0
Time You Spend (Approx.)
10 min
1-3 hrs
1-3 hrs
Name Change Court Process
Documents Filed in Court for You
Court Date Scheduled for You
Newspaper Ad Announcement Done for You
Case Status Updates Sent to You
Name Change Case Summary REPORT
Email with links to all completed docs, court case summaries, and support info
Customer Support
FULL SERVICE Costs
$135
NA
NA
Court Filling Costs
$435
$435
$435
Newspaper Costs
$90-150
$90-150
$90-150
Time You Spend
0 min
2-6 hrs
2-6 hrs
Update IDs & Official Records
Personalized Guidance
Name Change Update Checklist
Pre-filled Forms to Update Records
Costs
$0
$0
$50-150
Summary of Costs & Time
Total Costs
$740-820
$525-585
$575-735
Total Time
1-2 hrs
5-18 hrs
6-24 hrs

For around $250 more than doing everything by yourself, Start Name Change assists you through the legal name change process with personalized support. We provide initial consulting about your specific type of name change situation (whenever requested), prepare and file your documents with the right court, help obtain your court hearing date, and handle newspaper announcement publication. You’ll receive a detailed, personalized REPORT with copies of your filed documents, court info, and links to track your case progress. A team of experienced, name change experts supporting you every step of the way—from the moment you get started until your name is legally changed and your records are fully updated. With our consultation, document management, and guidance, you will save time, avoid delays, reduce stress, and feel confident from start to finish.

YELP REVIEWS GO HERE

Name Change Service in California

Providing Services in All 58 Counties

Only Start Name Change Specializes in California Legal Name Change for Adults, Children and Families. Name Change Specialist is what we are, and we do it all day for anyone within California’s 58 Counties

Some Common Questions About Name Change

How Does Legal Name Change Work?
Deciding whether or not you need a name change or, if you do, which kind do you need, is the first step. Do some research and maybe get some consultation with experts If you need a court order, that process starts by preparing and filing a Petition for Name Change in the proper Superior Court, arranging required notices and following the court process all the way through. The court process ends when a judge reviews you and your Petition. Upon approval, a Decree Changing Name can be signed by the judge making your name change official. A Certified Copy of that court order is what agencies, schools, financial institutions, and other organizations may require before they’ll update your ID, records, or official documents. Learn More

We help you through the entire legal name change process—accurately preparing your court forms, filing them with the correct court, arranging the required newspaper publication, keeping you posted as we go, and supporting you all the way to your hearing and beyond. If a hearing is required, we’ll help you get prepared so you can walk in with confidence. Upon approval by your judge, you’ll receive a Decree Changing Name. This certified Decree is the official document recognized nationwide and often internationally. Our personalized support team is available to you throughout the process—even after your court case is finished. Learn More

If you handle the process entirely on your own, the typical cost is about $525-585. When you choose to have Start Name Change assist you, the average total cost is usually around $715-775.

Star Name Change FULL SERVICE is a flat cost of $190 more than you would spend on court and newspaper charges by doing everything by yourself. Court costs are fixed but newspaper charges vary.

SNC FULL SERVICE total charges include your court filing ($435) and newspaper ($90-150) and our FULL SERVICE $190.

Costs are fixed, but vary based on your kind of name change and where your Petition will be processed. Call SNC anytime to get a fixed price for your court Name Change.
Learn More

It only takes about 5–10 minutes to get started using our online questionnaire, or you can give us a call. If you’re doing everything yourself, expect to spend 4-18 or more hours figuring it all out. From start to finish, it usually takes about 2 to 3 months to receive your Decree Changing Name, upon approval. Updating your records afterward can take a few days to several weeks, depending on your situation and the organizations involved.