CIV 700 Petition for Change of Name
What the CIV 700 Petition for Change of Name is
Why having a correctly completed CIV 700 matters
A complete CIV 700 ensures the court can schedule a hearing, verify identity and background, and issue a clear order allowing you to update vital records and identification. Accurate filing reduces delays, minimizes objections, and supports smooth downstream updates to Social Security, DMV, and financial accounts.
Who commonly files the CIV 700 and when
Typical filers include individuals changing names after marriage, divorce, gender transition, or for other personal reasons; attorneys also submit petitions on clients' behalf.
- Self-represented petitioner changing name for personal reasons, filing without counsel.
- Attorney or legal representative filing on behalf of a client with supporting declarations.
- Court clerks and records offices processing the petition and issuing the signed order.
Step-by-step: filing a CIV 700 petition
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01Prepare Form: Complete CIV 700 carefully with ID details.
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02Attach Documents: Add orders, birth certificate copies, or marriage records.
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03File with Court: Submit petition to the county superior court clerk.
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04Attend Hearing: Appear on the scheduled date or obtain continuance.
Configuring an online CIV 700 workflow
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Enable eSignatures | Allow electronic signing and date fields |
| Authentication Level | Email + SMS code or ID verification |
| Routing | Send signed copies to petitioner and court email |
| Document Format | Export PDF/A for court record retention |
Where to file and how the court process flows
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Clerk Filing: File at county superior court clerk's office
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Initial Review: Clerk checks completeness and assigns case number
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Hearing Scheduling: Court sets a hearing or issues default order
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Final Order: Court signs order and issues certified copies
Common mistakes that delay CIV 700 processing
- Incorrect or inconsistent legal name entries between petition and ID documents cause verification holds and re-filings.
- Missing attachments such as certified birth certificates, divorce decrees, or prior name-change orders prevent the clerk from accepting the petition.
- Failing to sign, date, or initial required sections often results in the clerk returning the document for correction and re-filing.
- Using an improper file format or poor-quality scans when submitting electronically can cause the court to reject the submission.
Consequences of filing an incorrect or incomplete CIV 700
Digital signing and technical requirements
Ensure your e-sign platform supports PDF signatures, timestamping, and audit trails before e-submitting a CIV 700.
- File Formats: PDF/A and DOCX supported
- Authentication: Email+SMS or ID verification
- Audit Trail: IP, timestamp, action log
eSignature vendor cost and capability snapshot
| signNow | DocuSign | Adobe Sign | PandaDoc | HelloSign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $8/user/mo | $15/user/mo | $14/user/mo | $19/user/mo | $15/user/mo |
| Free Trial | 7-day free trial, no credit card required | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Typical deadlines and timing expectations
Filing Acceptance:
Clerk reviews and assigns case number at filing
Hearing Date:
Court typically sets a hearing 4–12 weeks after filing
Publication Period:
If required, publication runs for a county-specified number of weeks
Objection Window:
Third parties may file objections within a court-prescribed timeframe
Final Decree:
Court issues signed order after hearing or when objections resolved
Key milestones from filing to final order
File Petition
Clerk accepts petition and assigns case number
Notice or Publication
Complete any required public notice or publication steps
Hearing
Appear before a judge on the scheduled hearing date
Final Order
Judge signs the order granting the name change
Illustrative use cases for completing the CIV 700
Individual Petitioner
An adult petitioner files CIV 700 after divorce to restore a former surname.
- Court schedules a hearing and requires a certified divorce decree.
- The judge issues a signed order; petitioner uses certified copies to update Social Security, DMV, and bank accounts without further litigation.
Attorney-Assisted Filing
A client requests counsel to file a petition for gender-affirming name change.
- Attorney prepares declarations and supports sealing requests for safety.
- After a contested hearing the court grants the order and seals sensitive filings per local rule, enabling secure record updates.
Who signs or attests to the CIV 700
Petitioner — Individual
The petitioner signs to attest to the facts stated under penalty of perjury; the signature must match identification provided to the court and may require notarization or in-court verification depending on jurisdiction.
Attorney — Representative
When an attorney files, they sign and include an appearance or declaration; counsel certifies service and handles notices, objections, and any requests to seal records on behalf of the client.
Practical tips to speed processing and avoid rework
Frequently asked questions about the CIV 700
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Do I need a lawyer?
Not always. Many individuals file pro se for straightforward name changes, but consult an attorney if you expect objections, sealing requests, or complex background issues.
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Is notarization required?
Notarization requirements vary by state and county; some courts accept unsworn declarations under penalty of perjury while others require notarized signatures—check local rules.
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Can I e-sign the CIV 700?
Electronic signatures are generally permitted under ESIGN and UETA except where state statute or court rules require wet signatures or specific notarization; confirm with the filing court.
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How long does it take?
Processing times depend on the court calendar and publication requirements; typical timelines range from a few weeks to several months depending on jurisdiction.
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What if someone objects?
The court will schedule a hearing to consider objections; be prepared with documentation supporting the petition and request legal counsel if needed.
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How long keep records?
Retain petition and certified order for at least three years; longer retention is recommended for administrative or legal needs and for healthcare record updates.