About This Online Publication

This online publication is designed as a service to the public in order to provide a general understanding of the duties and procedures of the Probate Court in reference to Name Change. This should not be considered as a legal reference. If you have a legal question dealing with Name Change, an attorney should be consulted.

Change Requirements

A person desiring to change his or her name must be a resident of the county for at least one year prior to the filing of an application .

Where to File

Applications must be filed in the Probate Court of the county in which the applicant resides.

Procedure

  1. The person who wishes their name changed files an application with the Court. A hearing date is set by the Court, normally forty-five (45) to fifty (50) days from the date of filing.
  2. At least thirty (30) days prior to hearing, the person who wishes their name changed must have published a Notice of Change of Name in a newspaper of general circulation and proof filed with the Court.
  3. On the date of hearing, an informal counter hearing will normally be held.
  4. If the Court is satisfied that reasonable and proper cause exits, a change of name will be granted. (Please be aware that this will NOT change the original birth certificate.)

Application on Behalf of a Minor

When the application is made on behalf of a minor under eighteen (18) years of age, publication and application must be made by one of the natural parents, legal guardian, or next friend. The consent of both living biological parents in writing must be filed with the application. Failure to obtain consent will necessitate a formal hearing, with notice sent to the non-consenting parent. The applicant must prove their efforts to notify both parents of a minor.

Amending Records of State Division of Vital Statistics

Where the applicant seeking a legal change of name was born in the State of Ohio, the applicant may send a certified copy of the Probate Court Order legally changing his or her name to the Ohio Department of Health, Office of Vital Statistics. The applicant will receive an amendment to the certificate containing the new name and a statement that their records have been amended. The present charge for obtaining the certificate is Sixteen Dollars Fifty Cents ($16.50).

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