Missouri Name Change Center

The Missouri Name Change Law Center is a resource on changing your name in Missouri.

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Missouri Name Change Law

Petition where presented--contents-- proceedings.

527.270. Hereafter every person desiring to change his or her name may present a petition to that effect, verified by affidavit, to the circuit court in the county of the petitioner's residence, which petition shall set forth the petitioner's full name, the new name desired, and a concise statement of the reason for such desired change; and it shall be the duty of the judge of such court to order such change to be made, and spread upon the records of the court, in proper form, if such judge is satisfied that the desired change would be proper and not detrimental to the interests of any other person. (RS Mo 1939 § 1706)

Prior revisions: 1929 § 1542; 1919 § 1992; 1909 § 2556; (1975) Wife may change name to one different from that of her husband. Matter of Natale (A.), 527 S.W.2d 402.

Fees to be paid by petitioner.

527.280. The fees for proceedings under sections 527.270 to 527.290 shall be the same as are now or may hereafter be allowed in similar cases in said court, to be paid by the petitioner.

(RS Mo 1939 § 1707) Prior revisions: 1929 § 1543; 1919 § 1993; 1909 § 2557

Notice of change to be given, when and how.

527.290. Public notice of such a change of name shall be given at least three times in a newspaper published in the county where such person is residing, within twenty days after the order of court is made, and if no newspaper is published in his or any adjacent county, then such notice shall be given in a newspaper published in the city of St. Louis, or at the seat of government.

(RS Mo 1939 § 1708) Prior revisions: 1929 § 1544; 1919 § 1994; 1909 § 2558