Start Name Change Service in California – Costs and Details
Name change can be life-changing. You may need to make official the name you already use, or change a part of your name or your child’s name—either way, it’s important. If you know the exact name you want for every legal purpose and are ready to get started, or if you’re simply gathering information about the name change process, we’re here to guide you.
Unlike websites that only sell you a packet of forms or generic instructions, or .gov sites that give you a bunch of blank forms so you can navigate this whole process on your own, SNC Name Change offers hands-on guidance from start to finish. Our team prepares your legal documents, files them with the correct court, arranges required newspaper publication, and helps you stay on track through to your court hearing and approval. We then give you guidance and support during the process of updating all your official records.
We’re with you at every step—making your legal name change more straightforward, faster, and far less stressful than going it alone.
What Does SNC FULL SERVICE Mean?
SNC FULL SERVICE means you don’t have to worry about navigating the complexities of the legal name change system:
- No court forms for you to fill out. We complete all necessary forms for your specific name change case, ensuring accuracy and compliance with California law.
- No waiting in lines. We submit all documents to the appropriate court, pay the filing fees, and schedule your completion hearing on your behalf.
- No figuring out the legal notice requirements. We arrange and pay for any legally required newspaper publication, making sure all notices are published correctly and proof of publication gets to your court on time.
- You just sign some documents, be on the lookout for our emails updating you as we go, and then attend your brief court hearing (if required) to finalize the process.
With SNC FULL SERVICE, you get a complete solution for this important court process. All you have to do is provide us with the necessary information, attend your hearing (if required), and update your records once you receive your certified court order. We handle everything else
What’s Included in SNC Name Change Services?
1. Petition Preparation
We complete all the necessary forms for your name change, typically between 5 and 15 documents, depending on your circumstances and county. These forms are filled out by our expert legal document assistants to ensure accuracy. We send everything to you for final review and guide you on where to sign.
2. Court Filing
3. Required Newspaper Publication
4. Full REPORT
5. Post-Court Support – Updating ID and Records
Why SNC FULL SERVICE is Worth It
DIY vs. SNC FULL SERVICE
Some people are confused by lower-cost “name change services” that promise name change help for $25 or less. Other DIY services may charge more, up to $299 or more for completing your forms by a “professional”.
What these services don’t tell you is that they provide nothing more than forms you’ll have to fill out yourself, a kit that explains how to notify people of your name change after you’ve completed the legal process on your own, or a completed set of forms for you to file, publish and arrange the rest of the process yourself. You can do the rest, but it’s not fun, simple or quick.
These DIY type services don’t help you through the whole legal name change process, they won’t file any court documents or arrange required newspaper publications, and they won’t know when to congratulate you upon approval after your hearing!
With SNC FULL SERVICE, you’re not just getting forms. You’re getting a complete solution
- We fill out your forms.
- We file your court documents.
- We arrange your newspaper notice.
- We set up and guide you through your hearing.
- We provide support for updating your records.
- We provide live support from start to finish, and even after if you need it.
- We actually care!
The DIY approach may seem cheaper, but it’s full of hidden costs and potential errors. Filing forms incorrectly can delay your name change or even lead to rejection by the court. It can be frustrating and time-consuming.You could spend hours trying to understand the process, filling out forms, and dealing with newspaper publication requirements—while still running the risk of mistakes.
The extra support and peace of mind with Start Name Change is worth far more than the difference in cost. With SNC, you’re more likely to be smiling at the end.
How Name Change Services Compare?
When it comes to legally changing your name, not all options offer the same level of support. SNC Name Change provides guided, professional help through every step of the court process—saving you time, reducing stress, and improving your chances of success. Compare for yourself and see the difference expert name change document assistance can make.
SNC FULL SERVICE vs. DIY Costs
DIY Costs
- Court Filing Fees: $435 – $465 (depending on county)
- Newspaper Publication Fees: $90 – $550 (depending on county)
- Total DIY Cost: $525 – $1,000 [+ $25 to $299 or more for a DIY service, if any]kAnd remember, YOU do ALL the work
SNC FULL SERVICE Costs
- Court Filing Fees: $435 – $465 (we pay this on your behalf)
- Newspaper Publication Fees: $90 – $550 (we arrange and pay for this)
- SNC FULL SERVICE Fee: $190
- Total SNC FULL SERVICE Cost: $715 (variable, depending on county)
- WE do ALL the preparation and leg work for you.
Additional Options and Benefits
- ONLY $115 paid upfront: $75 +court and newspaper costs invoiced to you AFTER we get back your signed Petition so we can file everything for you at court.
- eXpedite Service (+$45): Need your name change faster? With our Expedite Service, we can help you save 2-3 weeks by moving your case to the front of the line within Start Name Change. This service is available for those who can receive and return signed documents electronically. (eXpedite fee is not paid up front, it’s invoiced with Full Service AFTER you return your signed documents for SNC to file.)
- Fee Waiver Requests: If you qualify, we can assist with filing a fee waiver request, which could potentially waive your court filing and certified copy fees, saving you even more money. Start Name Change does not charge extra for preparing Fee Waiver Forms.
Starting Your Name Change with SNC FULL SERVICE
When you choose SNC Name Change, you’re not just getting help with paperwork—you’re getting complete peace of mind. We assist with every step in the legal process, so you don’t have to worry about making mistakes or missing any critical deadlines.
We’re the only true comprehensive legal name change company in California, trusted by tens of thousands of clients for delivering 5-Star service, every time. Let us handle the complexities, so you can focus on enjoying your new name.
More About How SNC Name Change Can Help
Privacy Policy
We take privacy very seriously. Our Privacy Policy is published and available for you to review anytime through our website link found at the bottom of every website page. We don’t ask for or allow access to your information, for any reason, except for our use to prepare your required court documents. We destroy your information after it’s no longer needed to support your Name Change Petition process. We maintain a high-security website badge and use encrypted data transfer systems. Your privacy questions are welcome.