Wisconsin Name Change Resources

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A name change in Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin documents below cover the request. Once the order is signed, you normally take a certified copy to the agencies that hold your records.

Official Wisconsin name change resources

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Wisconsin family law forms (official index) (Wisconsin judicial branch): The official statewide collection of Wisconsin family law forms. When a direct document link stops working, this index is where the current version lives. https://www.wicourts.gov/forms1/circuit.htm

Wisconsin court self-help resources (Wisconsin courts self-help): Official self-help information for people handling their own Wisconsin family case, including instructions and plain-language guides. https://www.wicourts.gov/services/public/selfhelp

WI clerks of circuit court by county (Wisconsin judicial branch): Find the courthouse or clerk that serves your area, with locations and contact details. https://www.wicourts.gov/courts/circuit/clerkcontact.htm

Wisconsin Circuit Court eFiling (WI Court System): Wisconsin's statewide eFiling system works in every county and people without lawyers may use it voluntarily. E-filing is required for attorneys but you can choose paper filing with your county clerk instead. https://efiling.wicourts.gov/

Verified official Wisconsin name change documents

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

Petition for Name Change, Adult or Minor 14+ (CV-450), form CV-450 (Name Change), official document: https://www.wicourts.gov/formdisplay/CV-450.pdf?formNumber=CV-450&formType=Form&formatId=2&language=en

Official link data for Wisconsin 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 Report anything outdated through our contact page and we will re-check the official source.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.