The exact cost to change a 12-year-old's name varies significantly by state, primarily due to differing court filing fees. There is no single universal fee, as each state sets its own requirements and associated costs.
Understanding Name Change Costs for Minors
Changing a minor's name typically involves a legal process that requires filing a petition with the court. The most direct and often largest component of this cost is the court filing fee. These fees are set by the individual state courts and can range widely. While the provided information focuses on these essential filing fees, it's important to note that other potential costs, such as fees for publishing notice of the name change (often required in many states) or attorney fees if you choose to hire legal counsel, are not included in these administrative court fees.
State-Specific Filing Fees
Below are examples of court filing fees for name changes in various states:
| State | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| California (CA) | $435 - $450 |
| Colorado (CO) | $88 |
| Connecticut (CT) | $250 |
| District of Columbia (DC) | $60 |
As you can see, the fee can be as low as $60 in the District of Columbia or as high as $450 in California. This variation underscores the importance of checking the specific fees for the state where the minor resides and where the name change petition will be filed. These fees are subject to change and are set by the respective state court systems.
For the most current information on name change filing fees in your specific state, it is recommended to consult official state court websites or reputable legal resources.
