File a petition to recognize your child’s change of gender and change their name (when one parent asking)

Once you complete your forms, you need to file them with the court and pay a filing fee. If you can't afford the fee, you can ask the court to waive it.  

How to file forms with the court

  • Take your forms to the court clerk

    1. If you live in California, go to the superior court in the county where your child lives
      If there are different locations, check your court’s website, talk to your self-help center, or find the closest court (link opens in a new tab) to you where civil cases are filed.
    2. Give the court clerk your forms
      At the courthouse, give the court clerk the original and the copies of your forms. The clerk will stamp the forms, keep the original and return the copies to you.
    3. Pay special attention to the  Order to Show Cause—Recognition of Minor’s Change of Gender and Issuance of New Birth Certificate (form NC-520) (link opens in a new tab)
      • This is the form that orders anyone who does not agree to your request to file an objection within 6 weeks of the date the form is filed with the court (the date stamped on the upper right-hand corner).
      • The objection has to be for good cause, which means that there has to be a valid legal reason to disagree with your request.

    Yes, you can file by mail. Mail the original and 2 copies to the clerk. You need to include the filing fee (or fee waiver request) and a self-addressed stamped envelope so the clerk can mail your copies back to you. Make sure to include enough postage. If you do not include a self-addressed stamped envelope, you will have to go to the courthouse to pick up your copies.  
     
    Some courts allow online filing (called e-filing). You can find out if your court has online filing on  your court’s website (link opens in a new tab).
  • Pay a filing fee

    💵  You’ll need to pay a fee of $435-$450 to the clerk when you file your forms.

    If you can’t afford the fee, you can ask the clerk for a fee waiver. You may qualify for a fee waiver if:

    • You receive public benefits
    • Your income is less than a set amount
    • You can’t afford the fee and meet your basic needs
  • Ask the clerk how to get the signed order if other parent doesn't object

    • The clerk will give the filed forms to a judge who will make a decision after a 6 week waiting period.
    • During that time, you must let the other parent know about your request (serve them). If the other parent doesn't object, you should be able to pick up the order.
    • Ask the clerk how you can pick up a signed name change order.
    If the other parent objects, the court will set a hearing date to hear from both of you. Learn what to expect at a hearing.

Gender change recognition and name change for a child

What's next?

Once you’ve filed your forms, your next step is to let the other parent know. You do this by having a copy of the notice delivered (served) on the other parent. 

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