Changing Your Name in Indiana
How adults change their legal name in Indiana: the court petition, publication, fees, and restoring a name after divorce.
Short answer: An adult files a petition in the circuit, superior or probate court of the county where he or she lives. Ind. Code §§ 34-28-2-2, 34-28-2-3, 34-28-2-4
| Legal name change | An adult files a petition in the circuit, superior or probate court of the county where he or she lives. Notice must be published three times, once a week, in a newspaper of general circulation in the county, with the last publication at least 30 days before the hearing; proof of publication is filed by a disinterested person's affidavit, and the court then decides the petition. A person with a felony conviction in the past 10 years must also notify the county sheriff, the county prosecutor and the state criminal history repository (with fingerprints) at least 30 days before the hearing. Re-verified 2026-10-27. |
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| Changing your name after divorce | A spouse who wants a maiden or previous married name restored must include the requested name in the divorce petition as part of the relief sought, and the court grants the change when it enters the decree. This does not apply to a lifetime sex or violent offender. The statute is written in terms of 'a woman.' Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: Ind. Code § 31-15-2-18 |
Where to get help in Indiana
More Indiana divorce & family law
- Getting a Marriage License in Indiana
- Adopting a Child in Indiana
- Guardianship of a Child or Adult in Indiana
- Establishing Paternity in Indiana
- Child Custody Laws in Indiana
- How Child Support Is Calculated in Indiana
- Divorce Records in Indiana
- Alimony and Spousal Support in Indiana
- How to File for Divorce in Indiana
- Legal Separation and Annulment in Indiana
- All Indiana divorce & family law rules
FAQ
How do you legally change your name in Indiana?
An adult files a petition in the circuit, superior or probate court of the county where he or she lives. Notice must be published three times, once a week, in a newspaper of general circulation in the county, with the last publication at least 30 days before the hearing; proof of publication is filed by a disinterested person's affidavit, and the court then decides the petition. A person with a felony conviction in the past 10 years must also notify the county sheriff, the county prosecutor and the state criminal history repository (with fingerprints) at least 30 days before the hearing.
How do you change your name back after a divorce in Indiana?
A spouse who wants a maiden or previous married name restored must include the requested name in the divorce petition as part of the relief sought, and the court grants the change when it enters the decree. This does not apply to a lifetime sex or violent offender.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.