Revising the process for individuals to request name changes.
Summary
Allows a person to file a name change petition in any district court, instead of only in the district court of the judicial district in which the person resides.
Eliminates the requirement that a name change petition state the reasons for the requested name change and instead requires the petition to set forth the person's desire for the name change.
Expands the circumstances under which a name change petition may be filed in the superior court.
Allows juvenile courts to adjudicate or grant concurrent jurisdiction to another court to hear a name change petition for a child subject to certain juvenile court or public assistance proceedings.
Requires the superior court to seal a granted name change file and prohibits opening the file to inspection except for good cause shown or upon request of the person whose name change was granted.
From the Substitute House Bill Report (SSB 5028), written by the Legislature's nonpartisan staff. Read the full report ↗