HB5164: NAME CHANGE-PUB CHANGES-FEES

Legislative Summary

Amends the Clerks of the Court Act. Provides that filing fees for a petition for change name may not exceed $25, and the court may waive this fee for good cause shown. Amends the Name Change Article of the Code of Civil Procedure. Deletes the requirement that a petitioner must reside in the State for 6 months before the petitioner may file a petition under the Article. Allows a petitioner to request that the court file be impounded if public disclosure may be a hardship and have a negative impact on the petitioner's health or safety. Allows the petitioner to attach to the statement any supporting documents including relevant court orders. Allows the petitioner to request that his or her address be omitted from court documents if it would put the petitioner or petitioner's family at risk. Repeals the requirements to publish a notice of a petition to change a name.