Illinois Name Change Guide | AKL Legal, LLC
Changing your name is a meaningful decision—whether it’s after marriage or divorce, for personal or cultural reasons, or simply to mark a new chapter in life. In Illinois, the legal name change process varies slightly depending on whether you are an adult or requesting a name change for a child. Below, our Grayslake family law attorneys explain the steps, costs, and important considerations when pursuing a name change in Illinois.
Adult Name Change in Illinois
Adults can legally change their name by filing a Petition for Change of Name with the circuit court in the county where they live. While the process may seem straightforward, working with an Illinois name change lawyer can help ensure your paperwork is filed correctly and your petition is granted without unnecessary delays.
Steps to Change Your Name as an Adult
Obtain the Petition – Request the proper forms from the circuit clerk’s office or download them from the Illinois court website.
Complete the Petition – Include your current name, the desired new name, and the reason for your request.
File with the Court – Submit the petition with the required filing fee to the clerk of the circuit court.
Attend the Hearing – Appear at the court hearing where the judge will review your petition and hear any objections.
Receive a Court Order – If approved, you will be granted a formal order legally changing your name.
Estimated Costs for Adult Name Changes
Filing Fee: Around $300-$350
Publication Fee: $75-100
Attorney Fees: $500–$2,000 (depending on case complexity and whether objections arise)
Minor Name Change in Illinois
The process for changing a child’s name is similar, but the court requires additional safeguards. In most cases, both parents or legal guardians must be involved. Judges will consider whether the change is in the best interests of the child, making it especially important to have guidance from an experienced family law attorney in Lake County.
Steps to Change a Minor’s Name
Obtain the Petition – Get the necessary forms from the circuit clerk’s office.
Complete the Petition – Provide the child’s current name, the proposed new name, and the reason for the request. Both parents or guardians typically must sign.
File with the Court – Submit the petition along with the filing fee.
Publish Notice – In some cases, you will need to publish notice of the petition in a local newspaper for three weeks.
Attend the Hearing – Parents or guardians must attend court with the child.
Receive a Court Order – If approved, the judge will issue an order granting the new legal name.
Estimated Costs for Minor Name Changes
Publication Fee: $75-100
Attorney Fees: $500–$2,000 (depending on case complexity and whether objections arise)
Important Considerations for Illinois Name Changes
Court Approval Is Required – A judge must review and approve every request, whether for an adult or a child.
Objections May Be Filed – Family members or other interested parties can object to the petition.
Legal Guidance Matters – An Illinois family law attorney can guide you through the process, ensure all requirements are met, and advocate for you in court if objections arise.
Talk to an Illinois Name Change Lawyer
At AKL Legal, LLC in Grayslake, we help clients across Lake County, McHenry County, and suburban Cook County with adult and minor name changes. Our team is committed to making the process smooth and stress-free while protecting your rights in court.
Contact our office today for a complimentary consultation with an Illinois name change attorney to learn how we can help you take the next step.
