Changing Your Name in Colorado

An adult files a petition, verified by affidavit, in the district or county court of the county where he or she lives, stating the current name, the new name and the reason; a petitioner over 14 must include a certified fingerprint-based criminal history check done within 90 days before filing. Unless the court finds good cause to skip it, the court orders the petitioner to publish notice three times within 21 days in a local newspaper and file proof. Publication is not required for certain victims of domestic violence or abuse, for a name change to conform to gender identity, or under a simplified process for fixing name discrepancies needed for an ID card. The court grants the change if it is proper and not harmful to others; restrictions apply to people with certain felony convictions.

You can ask to restore your prior name in the divorce or legal separation Petition (JDF 1011) or Response (JDF 1015). After the decree, you can file a Motion for Name Restoration (JDF 1824) with an Order (JDF 1825) in the court that entered the decree; the court restores the name if it is not detrimental to any person. There is no filing fee if you ask within 60 days after the decree is signed.