SB 1477 Summary

• Authorizes courts to waive publication and notice requirements for minor name change petitions until January 1, 2016, if the court finds a waiver is necessary to protect the child's best interests and the petitioner meets all specified conditions including address confidentiality program participation, sole custody, and a domestic violence protection order.

• Requires petitioners who obtain a waived publication/notice order to serve the nonpetitioning parent with a copy of the name change order.

• Mandates the Judicial Council study the effects of waiving publication and notice requirements and report findings to the Legislature by April 1, 2015, with courts required to provide copies of waived orders to the Judicial Council.

• Requires courts to allow children age 14 or older to address the court regarding proposed name changes in any hearing, unless the court finds it would not be in the child's best interest and states reasons on the record.

• Clarifies that name change petitions alleging domestic violence, stalking, or sexual assault require petitioners to be active address confidentiality program participants with the proposed name on file with the Secretary of State.