NOTE: These instructions are intended as a guideline only. Remember to fill out the County Name (Adams) and the Division of the Court (Probate). The name of the Judge to be used on the forms is Brett M. Spencer. The name of the Magistrate to be used on the forms is David M. Hunter. Fill in all blanks except Case No. 

All forms should be typewritten or legibly printed.  An application may only be filed if the minor has been a resident of Adams County for at least 60 days prior to the filing of said application. You must present a certified copy of the applicant's birth certificate at the time of the Application as well as proof and support documentation showing the name that the applicant has been using. The support documentation must include an Official Identity Document (e.g., Passport, Social Security Card, etc.). The conformed name must be one of the names used one at least on Official Identity Document.

A fee is required at the time of filing.

The applicant must be present at any hearings scheduled.

1. Supreme Court Form 21.0: Application for Change of Name of Adult

   • Be sure to state the minor’s full legal name (first, middle and last) and full name requested after the change of name (first, middle and last).

   • You must include your reasons for the application.

   • A copy of the minor’s birth certificate must be attached, together with all other documents that must be conformed.

2. Form AC-007 - Authorization for Background Search (Word | PDF )

   • Required for the applicant

3. Supreme Court Form 21.0: Application for Change of Name of Adult

   • Be sure to have it notarized or sign it in front of a clerk at the Court. 

4. Supreme Court Form 21.11: Judgment Entry Setting Hearing and Ordering Notice

   • Complete all the information requested, except the hearing date which will be filled in by the Court. 

5. Supreme Court Form 21.12: Notice of Hearing on Conforming Legal Name

   • Complete all the information requested, except the hearing date which will be filled in by the Court. 

   • Complete the name and last known address of the necessary person whose address is unknown. 

   • You will be responsible for delivering the Notice form to the newspaper that you have selected to complete the publication.

6. Supreme Court Form 21.1: Judgment Entry - Change of Name of Adult

• For Attorneys Only

Beginning August 17, 2021, Ohio Law no longer requires that applications to Change or Conform Name be set for formal hearing. However, a hearing may still be required in the Court’s discretion. If a hearing is requested by the Court, the application will be set for hearing at a future date and publication of notice may be required in a newspaper of general circulation in the County at least thirty (30) days before the hearing on the application. Otherwise, the application will be considered by the Magistrate who reviews the documents. 

If publication is required, The NOTICE OF HEARING ON CONFORM NAME is for this purpose.  The Court will send the NOTICE OF HEARING ON CONFORM NAME, however, YOU MUST  pay the publication cost DIRECTLY to the newspaper. Failure to pay the Cost of Publication may result in the delay of the hearing and/or dismissal of the case. If the publication is not completed at least thirty (30) days prior to the hearing, the Conforming Name cannot be granted and re-publication will be required at additional cost and delay to you.