Utah Name Change

In Utah, the process to change your name is reasonably simple. In fact, you most likely won’t even need to attend a hearing. Just complete and notarize the forms, file them with the right court, and pay the fee and you will be nearly finished. More information is provided below to help you along the way.

What forms are required for a name change in Utah?The following forms are required to change your name in Utah:

• Cover Sheet for Civil Actions
• Petition for Name Change
• Department of Corrections Certificate Regarding Sex Offender Registry
• Request for Hearing
• Notice for Hearing on Petition for Name Change
• Order Changing Name

These forms can be found on the Utah Court System website.

Where do I file the forms for a Utah name change?

The completed forms must be filed with the district court clerk of the county where you currently live.

Do I need to notarize the forms?

Yes. The clerk of the court can notarize the Petition for Name Change for free when you bring it to court. However, it is recommended that you have it notarized beforehand because the court is usually very busy.

Is there a filing fee for a Utah name change?

Yes. The fee is $155. However, you may have the fee waived if you can show sufficient financial hardship.

Do I need to schedule a court hearing?

No. Unless somebody files an objection to your name change and requests a hearing.

Do I need to publish something in a local newspaper?

Check with your local court clerk for information on whether that court requires you to publish notice of your name change.

Is there anything else?

You must obtain a certification that your name is not on the Utah Sex Offender Registry. You may also need to be a county resident for more than a year; check with your local courthouse.

Case Studies: Insurance Implications for Utah Name Change

Case Study 1: Errors and Omissions Insurance

In this case, a law firm assisting clients with name change applications in Utah mistakenly fails to file the necessary forms for a client. As a result, the client experiences delays and additional expenses in the name change process, leading to frustration and financial losses. The client decides to pursue legal action against the law firm for negligence.

Having professional liability insurance, specifically errors and omissions (E&O) insurance, would have been beneficial for the law firm in this situation. E&O insurance helps protect professionals from claims of negligence, errors, or omissions in their services. If the law firm had E&O insurance, it could have relied on the coverage to handle the legal expenses, potential settlement, or judgment resulting from the client’s claim.

Case Study 2: General Liability Insurance

A courthouse clerk who notarizes name change petitions in Utah accidentally misplaces a client’s notarized form. As a result, the client’s name change application is delayed, causing inconvenience and additional expenses for the client. The client decides to seek compensation from the clerk for the mishandling of the documents.

In this case, the courthouse clerk’s employer could have mitigated the risk by having a comprehensive general liability (CGL) insurance policy. CGL insurance provides coverage for a range of liability claims, including negligence and errors. If the employer had CGL insurance, it could have relied on the coverage to handle the legal expenses, potential settlement, or judgment resulting from the client’s claim against the clerk.

Case Study 3: Employment Practices Liability Insurance

A county courthouse in Utah faces a lawsuit from an employee who claims that the name change policy discriminates against individuals with certain religious or ethnic backgrounds. The employee alleges that the policy imposes a burden on individuals who wish to change their names for legitimate reasons, leading to claims of religious or ethnic bias.

In this case, the county courthouse could have protected itself with employment practices liability insurance (EPLI). EPLI coverage helps safeguard businesses against claims related to employment practices, including allegations of discrimination. If the courthouse had EPLI coverage, it could have relied on the insurance to cover legal costs, settlements, or judgments resulting from the employee’s claim.