LEGAL PRACTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT
Legal practice in the Probate Court is restricted by law to attorneys who are licensed by the Supreme Court of Ohio. If an individual wishes to handle his or her own case, he or she may do so; however, they may not represent others. Due to the complexity of the law and the desire to avoid costly errors, most individuals who have filings before the Court are represented by an attorney. Deputy clerks are prevented by law from practicing law and, therefore, are not permitted to give advice.
Change of Name forms can be prepared and filed by an Attorney or they can be prepared and filed by the Applicant.
The Applicant wishing to change their name must be 18 years of age and must have resided in Sandusky County for 60 days prior to making the application with Sandusky County Probate Court.
Forms must be typed. If it is determined by the Court that the form is not prepared correctly the filing may be dismissed by the Court, in which you may forfeit your deposit. SEARCH HERE for the cost of a Name Change filing.
For Applicants with a Spouse and/or Children: Please note that if you are changing your last name this does not automatically change the last name(s) of your Spouse and/or children, each person will need to apply to change their name in a separate application (an Application for Name Change for a Minor is available).
A certified copy of your birth certificate and a copy of your driver’s license or photo ID along with completion of the following forms is required: (1) 21.0 - Application for Change of Name of Adult (2) Affidavit in Support of Application for Change of Name of Adult (3) Ohio Court Network Background Check. Be sure to read these forms in its entirety and complete all of the blank spaces EXCEPT the following:
Once the forms are filed with the Court a hearing on the Application for Change of Name will be scheduled. The hearing for a Change of Name for an Adult is a formal hearing, the applicant needs to appear before the Court on the scheduled hearing date.
Any remaining Court Costs not covered in the deposit will be due before the hearing or at the time the applicant picks up their certified copy of the Judgment Entry. It is suggested that the Applicant requests a certified copy of the Judgment Entry for their records. SEARCH HERE for the cost of a certified copy.
The Court will send a certified copy of the Judgment Entry to the Department of Vital Statistics, in the state they were born. Prior to ordering a birth abstract or new birth certificate contact the Department of Vital Statistics in the state you were born, to make sure they have processed the name change. For Ohio births contact the Ohio Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, at 614-466-2531.
The Applicant wishing to change their child’s name must be 18 years of age and must have resided in Sandusky County for 60 days prior to making the application with Sandusky County Probate Court.
A certified copy of the minor’s birth certificate and a copy of the applicant’s driver’s license or photo ID must accompany the Application for Change of Name of Minor. An application for Change of Name may be made on behalf of a minor by either of the minor’s Parent, a Legal Guardian or a Guardian ad Litem. When an application is made on behalf of a minor in addition to notice given by publication in a newspaper of general circulation, consent of both living, legal parents is required.
Forms must be typed. If it is determined by the Court that the form is not prepared correctly the filing may be dismissed by the Court, in which you may forfeit your deposit. SEARCH HERE for the cost of a Name Change filing.
You are required to complete the following forms: (1) 21.2 - Application for Change of Name of Minor (2) Affidavit in Support of Application for Change of Name of Minor (3) 21.4 – Waiver of Notice of Hearing and Consent to Change of Name of Minor (4) Ohio Court Network Background Check. Be sure to read these forms in its entirety and complete all of the blank spaces EXCEPT the following:
Once the forms are filed with the Court if consent of both living, legal parents is not filed with the Application for Change of Name of Minor a hearing will be scheduled and proper notice will need to be given to the parent or parents not consenting by certified mail, return receipt requested. If no father is alleged, or if the address of either parent is unknown, notice by publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the county will need to be published 30 days prior to the scheduled hearing date. Proof of publication needs to be returned to the Court prior to the hearing.
The hearing for a Change of Name for a Minor is a formal hearing, the applicant and minor child need to appear before the Court on the scheduled hearing date.
Any remaining Court Costs not covered in the deposit will be due before the hearing or at the time the applicant picks up their certified copy of the Judgment Entry. It is suggested that the Applicant requests a certified copy of the Judgment Entry for their records. SEARCH HERE for the cost of a certified copy.
The Court will send a certified copy of the Judgment Entry to the Department of Vital Statistics, in the state they were born. Prior to ordering a birth abstract or new birth certificate contact the Department of Vital Statistics in the state you were born to make sure they have processed the name change. For Ohio births contact the
Sandusky County Probate Court has developed local forms to assist in a CHANGE OF NAME filing as follows: