Q: Can I start the name change process in Illinois before I turn 18?
Hello, I live in Illinois and want to change my name for personal reasons. I'm currently 17 years old but I turn 18 in April. I know that the name change process takes some time so I wanted to know if it was possible to START the process right now (file a name change notice in the newspaper and file the forms) and then have a court date set AFTER I turn 18, or can I only actually start the process once I turn 18? I want to change it as soon as possible, so it would be ideal to start the process now and then get the court date after my 18th birthday. Thank you for any help.
A: If you're going to do it on your own you've got to wait until you're 18 years old to file. If a parent or guardian is willing to sign documents for you, you can begin now.
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