Branch County, MI
How to Change Your Name in Branch County
File your adult name change petition with the 15th Circuit Court. Our directory does not record the filing fee — confirm it with the clerk. Newspaper publication is required.
Get the full Michigan checklist
The court step is one of many — the free state guide maps SSA, DMV, passport and the records that come after.
Court Information
- Court
- 15th Circuit Court - Family Division
- Filing fee
- Not recorded — confirm with the clerk
- Fee waiver
- Available for qualifying petitioners
- Where to file
- Name-change petitions are filed with the 15th Circuit Court - Family Division in Branch County; petitioner must have resided in the county for 1 year (MCL 711.1(1)). The Branch County Clerk is also the Clerk for the Circuit Court; all pleadings/documents for Circuit Court must be filed with the Clerk's office (official 15th Circuit Court page).
- Court address
- Not recorded — confirm with the clerk
- Court phone
- Not recorded — confirm with the clerk
- Jurisdiction
- Circuit Court (Family Division)
- Official forms
- www.courts.michigan.gov/SCAO-forms/name-change/ ↗
- Verification
- Verification in progress
Filing Requirements in Branch County
- Newspaper publication
- Required
- Court hearing
- Required
- How to file
- in person
Getting Certified Copies
available
You will need certified copies for Social Security, the DMV, your passport, and your banks — order more than one.
Step-by-Step Process
- Gather documents: certified birth certificate, photo ID, and proof of residency in Branch County
- Complete the name change petition form (available from the 15th Circuit Court clerk or its website)
- If you cannot afford the filing fee, complete a fee waiver form and file it alongside your petition
- File your petition in person with the 15th Circuit Court
- Arrange the required newspaper publication — confirm the approved newspaper with the clerk before you publish
- Attend the hearing the court schedules
- If approved, get certified copies of the court order — available.
- Update SSA first, then DMV, then passport, then all other records
Check what you are missing before you file
The free readiness score checks documents, forms, fees and privacy across four dimensions — and links the gaps to the same Michigan guide.
Not legal advice: Court rules, fees, and procedures vary by county and change over time. Verify current requirements with the 15th Circuit Court clerk before filing.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a name change cost in Branch County, Michigan?
Our directory does not record a filing fee for the 15th Circuit Court. Confirm the current amount with the 15th Circuit Court clerk before filing. A fee waiver is available for petitioners who qualify by income; file the waiver request together with your petition.
Where and how do I file a name change in Branch County?
File with the 15th Circuit Court. Venue rule: Name-change petitions are filed with the 15th Circuit Court - Family Division in Branch County; petitioner must have resided in the county for 1 year (MCL 711.1(1)). The Branch County Clerk is also the Clerk for the Circuit Court; all pleadings/documents for Circuit Court must be filed with the Clerk's office (official 15th Circuit Court page). Accepted filing methods: in person.
Do I have to publish my name change in a newspaper in Branch County?
Yes — newspaper publication is required in Branch County. Confirm the approved newspaper and notice language with the 15th Circuit Court clerk before publishing.
Do I need a court hearing for a name change in Branch County?
A court hearing is required in this county — attend the date the court sets. Confirm the typical timing with the 15th Circuit Court clerk.
How do I get certified copies of my name change order in Branch County?
Available. You will need certified copies for Social Security, the DMV, your passport and financial institutions, so request more than one.