Name Change
YOU DON'T WANT US AGAINST YOU.
Northern Nevada's Boutique Family Law and Criminal Defense Law Firm
How to Legally Change Your Name in Reno, NV
Northern Nevada's trusted family law firm — guiding Reno residents through the legal name change process with clarity and confidence. Ready to get started? Call us at 775-541-0865 or request a consultation today.
Why Reno Residents Trust Barber Law Group
- NAFLA 2025 Top Ten Ranking
- Avvo Clients' Choice Award — Joel B. Barber, Esq.
- 3 Best Rated Divorce & Family Lawyers in Reno, NV
- Client Champion Gold — Lawyers.com
- Located in the heart of Reno at 557 Washington Street
Changing Your Name Shouldn't Be Confusing
Whether you're reclaiming your identity after a divorce, affirming your gender, honoring a new chapter in life, or simply correcting a longstanding discrepancy — the legal name change process in Nevada involves more steps than most people expect. One missed form, a skipped publication requirement, or a procedural error at the Second Judicial District Court can send you back to square one.
That's where Barber Law Group steps in. Our Reno-based family law attorneys handle name change petitions with the same meticulous attention to detail we bring to every case on our docket — so you don't have to navigate the Washoe County courthouse on your own.
What the Legal Name Change Process in Nevada Involves
Nevada's adult name change process is governed by NRS 41.270–41.290 and requires several procedural steps before a judge will issue a name change court order.
Step 1: Prepare Your Name Change Application
You'll need to complete the Family Cover Sheet to open your case, the Petition for Change of Name stating your reasons, the Notice of Petition for publication (unless waived for gender identity), and the Order for Change of Name. You must disclose any felony convictions and submit fingerprints if applicable.
Step 2: File at the Second Judicial District Court
Reno residents file their name change petition at the Washoe County Second Judicial District Court. A filing fee is required at submission, though fee waivers may be available for those who qualify.
Step 3: Publish the Notice of Petition
Most petitioners must publish their Notice of Petition once in a Washoe County newspaper. The publisher will provide an Affidavit of Publication, which must be filed with the court. Gender identity name changes are exempt from this requirement.
Step 4: Submit the Order to the Judge
You must wait at least 10 days after publication before submitting your Order for Change of Name and a Request for Summary Disposition. If all requirements are met, a judge typically approves the petition without a formal hearing. Once signed, you'll use certified copies to update records with the DMV, Social Security Administration, and banks.
Why Choose Barber Law Group for Your Name Change
Barber Law Group isn't a volume shop. We're a boutique family law firm built on decades of precise, personalized legal representation in Northern Nevada. Our attorneys — Joel B. Barber, Jessica L. Barry, Sydnie P. Wells-Seiwert, and Madalyn Thomas — each bring focused legal knowledge and genuine investment in every client outcome.
We handle everything from straightforward name change petitions to more complex circumstances involving felony disclosures, child name changes requiring parental consent, or situations where publication poses a safety concern. Our full legal support team ensures your paperwork is accurate, filed correctly, and tracked through every stage.
What Our Clients Say
"Barber Law Group made a process I was dreading completely manageable. Everything was filed correctly the first time, and I had my court order faster than I expected." — Reno Client
"The team was incredibly thorough and kept me informed every step of the way. I couldn't have done it without them." — Washoe County Client
How It Works
- Call or Contact Us — Reach our Reno office at 775-541-0865 or submit a request online.
- Consultation — We review your situation and explain exactly what your petition requires.
- Document Preparation — Our team prepares and reviews every form for accuracy.
- Filing & Publication — We handle submission at the Second Judicial District Court and coordinate newspaper publication.
- Court Order — Once the judge signs your order, we help you understand the next steps for updating your records.
Frequently Asked Questions: Legal Name Changes in Reno, NV
How do I legally change my name in Nevada?
File a Petition for Change of Name at the district court in your county, publish a notice in a local newspaper, and submit an Order for the judge to sign. In Reno, this is handled through the Washoe County Second Judicial District Court.
How long does a legal name change take in Nevada?
The timeline varies, but you must wait at least 10 days after publication before the judge can approve your petition. With all forms correctly filed, most adult name changes are resolved within a few weeks.
How much does it cost to change your name in Nevada?
Filing fees vary by county. Washoe County charges a court filing fee at submission, plus the cost of newspaper publication. Fee waivers are available for those who qualify based on income.
Do I need a lawyer for a name change in Nevada?
You're not legally required to hire an attorney, but working with a name change lawyer significantly reduces the risk of filing errors, missed deadlines, or procedural missteps that can delay or derail your petition.
Can a child's name be changed in Nevada?
Yes. A parent must file on the child's behalf. If the child is 14 or older, their consent is required. Both parents typically must consent unless one is deceased or has had parental rights terminated.
Do I have to publish my name change in the newspaper?
Most adult petitioners must publish once in a Washoe County newspaper. This requirement is waived for individuals changing their name to affirm their gender identity, or if the court grants a waiver due to safety concerns.
Serving Reno and the Surrounding Washoe County Area
Barber Law Group proudly serves clients throughout Reno, Sparks, Sun Valley, Spanish Springs, and the greater Washoe County region. We're steps from downtown Reno and familiar with the local court system — giving our clients a meaningful advantage when navigating the Second Judicial District Court. Whether you live near the UNR campus, the Midtown District, or the South Meadows area, our office at 557 Washington Street is accessible and ready to help.
The name change court order process has real procedural requirements — and getting it right matters. Barber Law Group's family law attorneys are ready to guide you through every step, from your initial name change application to the moment the judge signs your order. Contact us today at 775-541-0865 to schedule your consultation.
