CARR LAW OFFICE

Anyone who has lived in Clark County for at least 6 weeks can file for a change of name, provided you have not been convicted of a felony and you are not requesting the change for the purpose of avoiding creditors or committing a fraud. 

If your personal safety is at risk, it is possible to seal your name change file, protecting your identity.

Name changes for children or even entire families are also available, provided none of the applicants has felony convictions or is attempting to defraud creditors or others. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How much will it cost me to have my name changed?

The total cost to change your name is $500.  That includes the Court's $148 court filing fee and a $70 charge to publish notice in the newspaper.  If a court appearance is necessary, there will be an additional fee of $250.  Currently only one judge mandates a court appearance for a name change.  In all other cases the name change can be done without appearing in court.

How long does the process take?

Generally a month, but sometimes as long as two, depending on which judge the case is assigned to.  Once the papers are drafted and filed with the court (which usually takes a few days), notice of the proposed name change must be published in a "newspaper of general circulation" for three weeks.  After publicaton the judge can sign the Order authorizing the name change.  All of this can be done in about a month.  A few judges require a "prove up" hearing on the issue, which can add some additional time waiting for the court date.

I am a victim of stalking and I'm changing my name for safety reasons.  Do I still have to publish notice in the newspaper?

No.  If your personal safety is at risk, your case can be "sealed" to protect your personal information.  In such cases, there is no requirement to publish notice of the name change.

Name Changes - $500(which includes ALL fees and costs)