South Carolina Name Change

Did you know that in South Carolina you can change your name with relatively little fuss? The process mostly requires that you file a form with the proper court and pay a fee. Let us help with the information you need to help you through the process, below.

What forms are required for a South Carolina name change?

The State of South Carolina does not have a specific name change form. You must write your own petition to change the name, use a form prepared by a commercial service, or have an attorney write one for you. Click on the following link and search the South Carolina Code of Laws for more details: South Carolina Code of Laws Title 15, Chapter 49- Change of Namet

Where do I file the forms for a name change in South Carolina?

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

Do I need to notarize the forms?

Check with your local courthouse.

Is there a filing fee for a name change in South Carolina?

Yes. Check with the clerk of the court to determine the cost. A fee waiver may generally be obtained with a showing of sufficient hardship.

Do I need to schedule a court hearing?

Check with your local family court to determine whether a hearing is required.

Do I need to publish something in a local newspaper?

Check with your local circuit court to determine whether you need to publish a notice of your petition to change your name or your hearing in a local paper.

Case Studies: South Carolina Name Change Process

Case Study 1: John Smith’s Name Change

John Smith, a resident of Greenville County, South Carolina, decided to change his name. He followed the process outlined by the South Carolina Code of Laws Title 15, Chapter 49 and wrote his own petition for a name change. John filed the completed forms with the family court clerk in Greenville County.

He paid the required filing fee, as determined by the clerk of the court. In his case, a court hearing was not necessary, and he did not need to publish anything in a local newspaper. John successfully changed his name through the prescribed legal process.

Case Study 2: Sarah Johnson’s Name Change

Sarah Johnson, residing in Charleston County, South Carolina, also wanted to change her name. She decided to seek legal assistance and hired an attorney to help her with the process. Her attorney prepared the necessary petition for a name change on her behalf. Sarah filed the completed forms, prepared by her attorney, with the family court clerk in Charleston County.

She paid the required filing fee, as determined by the clerk of the court. In Sarah’s case, a court hearing was scheduled by the local family court. She followed the court’s instructions and successfully completed her name change process.

Case Study 3: Michael Brown’s Name Change

Michael Brown, facing financial hardship, wanted to change his name but couldn’t afford the filing fee. He applied for a fee waiver, demonstrating his sufficient hardship to the clerk of the court. Upon approval of the fee waiver, Michael proceeded with the name change process.

He filed the necessary forms with the family court clerk of the county where he resided, as instructed by the court. Michael’s case required a court hearing, which he attended and successfully completed. He did not need to publish a notice in a local newspaper. With the fee waiver, Michael was able to change his name without incurring any financial burden.