Fraudulent court appearance text messages targeting Colorado residents
Name Change

Child Name Change

Note - Some forms are unavailable.  They are being updated to comply with recent legislative changes.  See Senate Bill 2026-018.

Forms

Core Forms

  • JDF 421 - Petition for Name Change (for a Minor)
  • JDF 422 - Notice to Non-Custodial Parent
  • JDF 423 - Consent of Non-Custodial Parent
  • JDF 448 - Name Change Decree

Forms as Needed

  • JDF 98 - Affidavit of Service
  • JDF 76 - General Request Form (motion)
  • JDF 88 - Contact Info Change

 

Step by Step

 

Step 1 - Fingerprints & Background Checks

Skip this step for children 13 and under.

  1. Schedule to get fingerprinted with one of these vendors:
  2. Order a CBI (state) and FBI (nationwide) fingerprint-based background check from the CBI:
  3. Within 90 days of the date in the background report, start the case (Step 2).

 

Step 2 - Starting a Case

  • File in the county where the child lives UNLESS:
    • The child is the subject of a case concerning child support, allocation of parental responsibilities, or parenting time in another county.
    • If so, the Petition for Name Change must be filed in the same District Court as that case.
    • Find Courts by County.
  • Submit these forms:
    • JDF 421 (Petition) - [also attach the background check from Step 1 if the child is 14 or older].
    • JDF 448 (Decree) - Just do Sections A to C.
  • Parental Consent (one of these must occur)
    • Both parents signed the Petition (JDF 421);
    • The other parent signed the consent form (include completed form JDF 423); or
    • You'll have the other parent served (JDF 422 - Notice)
      • Fill in just the cast caption of the form. The clerk will assign a case number and schedule a hearing when you file.
  • See the Filing Fees page for information on the filing fee and waivers.

 

Step 3 - Service

Skip this step if both parents signed the Petition or JDF 423 was filed.

  • Serve the Step 2 paperwork on the other parent via a process server.
  • Also, provide the server form JDF 98 (just complete sections A through D).
  • File the signed form (JDF 98) into your case after service is completed.
  • See the Personal Service page for details on this process.

 

Step 4 - Hearing

  • Both parents must be present at the hearing.
  • If the Non-Custodial Parent is unable to appear, then proof of notice to the Non-Custodial Parent must be provided to the court before the hearing date (JDF 98).
  • If approved, the JDF 448 - Decree will be signed and ordered by the judge or magistrate.