Divorce, complicated spelling, tricky pronunciation, personal preference -- any of these may convince you that it's time for a new name. And although the rules have changed recently, it's still a relatively straightforward procedure. How to Change Your Name in California provides step-by-step instructions and all the forms you need to: *choose a name and make it your own *change back to your former name after divorce *change your child's name *get a new or amended birth certificate for you or your child *get a new driver license, Social Security card and passport *get a court to recognize a change of gender The 11th edition reflects the latest rules and regulations stemming from the Patriot Act and the rise of identity theft, and provides the latest forms as tear-outs. TABLE OF CONTENT: I. Introduction 1. Methods for Changing Your Name A. How to Change an Adult's Name B. How to Change a Child's Name 2. What's Your Name? A. What's Your Name? B. Multiple Last Names C. Multiple First Names D. Pen, Stage, and Other Business Names 3. Restrictions on New Names A. Famous Names B. Fictitious Names C. Initials, Numbers, and One-Word Names D. Racial Slurs, Fighting Words, and Other Forbidden Names E. Titles and Forms of Address F. Names You May Give a Child at Birth 4. Marriage, Divorce, and Custody A. Marriage B. Divorce and Annulment C. Custody, Remarriage, and Children's Names 5. Birth Certificates A. Children and Birth Certificates B. Adults and Birth Certificates 6. Basics of the Court Petition A. An Overview of the Court Petition Process and This Chapter B. Filing on Behalf of a Child C. Getting Information From Your Superior Court D. Getting Your Papers in Order E. Basic Name Change Forms F. Forms for Legal Guardians 7. Changing Your Name and Birth Certificate After Changing Your Gender A. Forms for Change of Name and Gender B. Surgery and Your Name Change C. Getting Court Recognition of Your Gender When You Have Already Changed Your Name D. Filing Your Petition, Publishing Your Order to Show Cause, and Obtaining Your Order E. Obtaining a New Birth Certificate 8. Filing, Publishing, and Serving Your Court Petition A. File Papers With the Court B. Arrange for Publication of the Order to Show Cause C. The Service of Process Requirement (Minor's Name Change) D. Publishing Notice to the Other Parent E. Waiver of Publication Requirement 9. Final Steps Towards Changing Your Name A. Appear in Court, If Necessary B. Steps to Take After Your Name Change 10. How to Get Your New Name Accepted A. Documentation B. Notify Agencies and Institutions: A Chart 11. Finding Additional Help A. When You Might Need a Lawyer B. Hiring an Attorney C. Legal Document Assistants ("Typing Services") D. Doing Your Own Legal Research Appendix Index