Kentucky Name Change Resources

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A name change in Kentucky can come up inside a divorce, where a spouse asks to restore a former name, or as its own filing. Either way the court has to approve it in writing before the new name is official.

The official Kentucky documents below cover the request. Once the order is signed, you normally take a certified copy to the agencies that hold your records.

Official Kentucky name change resources

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Kentucky family law forms (official index) (Kentucky judicial branch): The official statewide collection of Kentucky family law forms. When a direct document link stops working, this index is where the current version lives. https://courts.ky.gov/forms

Kentucky court self-help resources (Kentucky courts self-help): Official self-help information for people handling their own Kentucky family case, including instructions and plain-language guides. https://kyjustice.org

Kentucky court and clerk directory (search by county) (Kentucky judicial branch): Find the courthouse or clerk that serves your area, with locations and contact details. https://kcoj.kycourts.net/ContactList/Search

KYeCourts eFiling (KY Administrative Office of the Courts): Kentucky has eFiling, but as of mid-2026 people without a lawyer can only e-file small claims cases. For family court papers you file on paper with your circuit court clerk's office. https://kcoj.kycourts.net/kyecourts/Login

Verified official Kentucky name change documents

These official documents are what Kentucky publishes for a name change request.

Petition for Name Change (AOC-295), form AOC-295 (Name Change), official document: https://www.kycourts.gov/Legal-Forms/Legal%20Forms/295.pdf

Official link data for Kentucky was last verified June 2026. Report anything outdated through our contact page and we will re-check the official source.

Frequently asked questions

Can I restore my former name in the divorce itself?

In many states yes, if you ask for it before the final order is entered. Ask early, because reopening the case later is more work than including it up front.

What do I do after the judge signs it?

Get certified copies of the order and take them to the agencies that hold your records. Each agency has its own process.