How do you prepare for questions a judge may ask at a name change hearing in California?

Most name change hearings in California are straightforward, but it’s normal to feel nervous about speaking before a judge. The key thing to know is that judges aren’t looking to trick or intimidate you—they just want to confirm that your petition is truthful, complete, and in compliance with the law. Questions usually cover the basics: verifying your current legal name and the new name you’re requesting, confirming your reasons for the change, and ensuring you’re not trying to avoid debt, hide from legal obligations, or commit fraud. If you’re changing a child’s name, the judge may also ask whether both parents have been notified and whether the change is in the child’s best interests.

To prepare, review your petition carefully before the hearing so that you can answer confidently if asked about any of the details you provided. Bring your filed paperwork, proof of publication (if required), and any supporting documents with you in case the judge wants clarification. You don’t need to memorize legal language or dress like a lawyer—just be ready to honestly explain why you want the name change and show that you followed all required steps. For most adults with complete petitions, the judge may only ask a few simple questions or may not ask anything at all before signing the Decree Changing Name.

EZ Name Change prepares clients for this step by reviewing petitions ahead of time and explaining what to expect based on the specific county court. Our team tracks the requirements and customs of California courts, so we can let you know if your judge tends to ask particular questions or if hearings are often waived entirely. With that preparation, most of our clients find the hearing to be quick, straightforward, and much less intimidating than they expected.