Name Changes
See local court rules for additional information or https://www.washingtonlawhelp.org/ for assistance.
Identification required: Applicants for a change of name pursuant to RCW 4.24.130 must present valid photo identification at the time of application. Acceptable forms of identification include a Washington State Driver’s License, Washington State ID Card, US Passport or US Military ID. Other forms of valid photo identification may be accepted at the discretion of a Judicial Officer.
Fees:
District Court Fee: $78 (make checks out to the Whitman County District Court)
Auditor Fee: $203.50 (must be in the form of a Money Order made out to Whitman County Auditor)
Forms (Click to open):
Change of Name for Minor Child
(1) Birth Certificate. A certified copy of any minor applicant's birth certificate must be presented to the clerk for verification, copying and filing with the application for name change.
(2) Parental Consent. A minor child must be represented by a parent or legal guardian. In the absence of consent from one of the biological or legal parents, the court may grant the petition if such action would be in the best interests of the child and the nonconsenting parent has received notice of the hearing on the petition.
(3) Notice of Hearing. A parent or guardian who has not consented to a minor's change of name and whose parental rights have not been previously terminated must be given actual notice or notice by publication as provided in CRLJ 4. Petitioner shall file proof of service of the Petition and hearing date on other parties at least ten (10) days prior to the hearing. The notice requirement may be waived by a Judicial Officer upon a finding of good cause.
(4) Notice by Publication. A person petitioning to change the name of a minor child may move the court for an order authorizing notice to a parent by publication. The requesting parent must certify under penalty of perjury that the whereabouts of the other parent are unknown. If authorized by the court, publication of a single notice in a newspaper of general circulation in the county of the non-consenting parent's last known residence shall be sufficient so long as the notice contains a hearing date, the name of the minor, the name the petitioner desires the child to assume, and sets forth the reasons for requesting the change of name.