What involved if there's a typo on my birth certificate and I want to change my last name?
Full Question:
Answer:
If you believe there is a typographical error on your original birth certificate, it may be possible for you to have it corrected. You would have to contact the bureau of vital statistics in the town or county where you were born. They will have procedures in place for this type of situation. Unfortunately, you did not indicate where you were born so we cannot provide you with some information specific to area.
If you desire to change your last name, you may do so as a resident of Colorado.
Here is a summary of the law in Colorado:
Name Change Action Allowed: In Colorado, a person may change their name by filing an action in the District or County Court in the county of the petitioner's residence with appropriate forms.
Who is an adult? A person who has attained the age of 18 years is considered an adult.
Who is an minor? A person who has not attained the age of 18 years is considered an minor.
Is there any reason why a person might not be allowed to change his or her name? Yes. The court must find that the requested name change is proper and not detrimental to the interests of any other person. A person is not allowed to change their name in order to avoid judgments or legal actions against him or her, or to avoid debts and obligations. A person can not change their name to defraud any person.
Requirements for Name Change Order: For an order of name change to be granted, the court must find the change proper and not detrimental to the interests of any other person. A change of name upon marriage, dissolution, or divorce meets these requirements.
Is Publication of a Notice of the Petition Required? No. But, if the Petition is granted, the Petitoner is required to publish the change of name 3 times in a newspaper within the county where the Petitioner resides.
Can individuals "object" to my Petition for Name Change? Yes. Any reasonable objections made to the court may influence the court's findings as to whether the change of name is proper and not detrimental to the interests of any other person.
Procedures: The name change process begins with the filing of a Petition for Name Change in the District or County Court where the Petitioner resides. The Petition sets forth the Petitioner's full name, the name the Petitioner wishes to assume, and a concise statement of the reasons for the requested name change. If the Court is satisfied that the name change is proper and not detrimental to the interests of any other person, the Petition will be approved. The court will then issue an Order approving the name change.
The Petitioner then must give public notice of the name change by publishing the Order for Change of Name three times in a newspaper within the county of their residence.
