Colorado Guide to Changing a Child’s Name (JDF 420)
Colorado Judicial BranchLegal name changeForm JDF 420Free downloadLast verified November 10, 2026
Court instructions for changing the legal name of a child in Colorado. The case is filed with the District Court that already has a case about the child or, if there is none, with the County Court where the child lives, not with the vital records office.
Who can use this form
- The parent or petitioner must be at least 18 years old.
- Filed in the District Court where the child is the subject of a child support, parental responsibilities, parenting time, or dependency and neglect case.
- If there is no such case, filed in the County Court where the child lives.
- A child who is 14 or older cannot have been adjudicated of a felony.
What to send with it
- JDF 421 Name Change Petition.
- For a child 14 or older: CBI and FBI fingerprint-based background checks dated within the last 90 days.
- JDF 423 Consent of Non-Custodial Parent, unless both parents signed the petition.
- JDF 448 Name Change Decree, with sections A to C filled out.
- The filing fee, or fee waiver forms JDF 205 and JDF 206.
- If the other parent did not consent: JDF 422 Notice sent by certified mail, with the receipt filed at least 14 days before the hearing.
Where to send it
- Mail to
- See the form for where to file it.
- State fee
- Filing fee: $98 in County Court, $268 in District or Juvenile Court. Certified copies: $20.
- Typical processing
- Not provided
- Issued by
- Colorado Judicial Branch
- Form revision
- R: October 12, 2026
- Source
- Official government page