Change child's name match gender both parents
Overview
Change your child's name to match their gender identity
In California, you can ask the court to change your child’s legal name to make it match their gender identity.
When both parents agree to do this, you ask the court together. You file a petition that you both sign, and get a decree changing your child’s name to match their gender. The process generally takes about 2 months.
Choose any part of the process below to get step-by-step instructions.
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1. Fill out court forms
First, you fill out court forms (a petition and other forms) asking the court to change your child's name to match their gender identity. Both parents sign the petition.
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2. File forms and pay a fee
Then you file the forms at the court and pay a fee. If you can't afford the fee, you can ask for a fee waiver.
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3. Get your decree
If the judge approves your request, you'll get a signed decree. You can use this to change your child’s name on any legal documents, like their birth certificate, social security card, or passport.