Notice of Hearing

After you file your name change petition, the court assigns a hearing date and issues a notice of hearing. This document confirms when and where your case will be heard before a judge. In most routine adult name change cases, the notice simply gives you the hearing details so you know when to show up at the courthouse.

In some states, the notice of hearing must also be served on certain parties or published in a local newspaper. For example, if you're changing a minor's name, the non-filing parent typically must receive a copy of the notice of hearing. If your state requires newspaper publication, the publication period and the hearing date are coordinated so the objection period ends before the hearing.

The notice usually includes: the court name and address, your case number, your current name, the date and time of the hearing, and instructions about what to bring. Keep this document — you'll need to present it at the courthouse to check in for your hearing.

Missing your name change hearing means your petition is dismissed or rescheduled, adding weeks or months to the process. Put the hearing date on your calendar as soon as you receive the notice, and confirm the location — some hearings are in a specific courtroom, others in a courthouse overflow room or even by phone.

If your state requires you to serve the notice on another party (such as the other parent in a minor name change), doing so incorrectly or too late can delay your case. The clerk or court's website will tell you exactly how service of the notice must be completed.