Legal Name Change in Ontario
Adult & Child Name Change Services
Whether you’re changing your own name or a child’s name, the legal name change process in Ontario requires accurate forms, proper consent, and correct filing. Mistakes can cause delays or rejected applications.
Our licensed paralegals, authorized as Family Legal Services Providers (FLSPs), assist with adult and child name changes from start to finish. We prepare the paperwork, review requirements, and guide you through each step so the process is handled correctly, efficiently, and in accordance with Ontario law.
✔ Upfront Pricing - You Always Know the Cost Before We Begin
✔ No Confusing Legal Jargon — Just Clear Explanations
✔ Serving Families Across Ontario
✔ Flexible Service - Telephone, Zoom or In-Person (if available)
★★★★★ Verified Google Review
“Damian is exceptionally skilled and deeply compassionate. His knowledge and professionalism are evident in every interaction." — Banafsheh L., Former Client
What Is a Legal Name Change?
A legal name change is the formal, government-recognized process of changing your name in Ontario.
It’s different from simply using a different name or reverting to a maiden name — a legal name change is:
- Filed with ServiceOntario / Office of the Registrar General
- Involves background checks and legal paperwork
- Results in a legal name change certificate (not just updated ID)
- Needed to change your name across passports, health cards, banking, etc.
We handle the paperwork so you can focus on your new beginning.
Ready to Begin Your Legal Name Change?
Get a free consultation and step-by-step guidance from our LSO authorized Family Legal Services Providers (FLSPs).
Common Reasons for Legal Name Changes
We assist clients who are changing their name due to:
- Personal identity, cultural, or religious reasons
- Reclaiming a birth name or family name
- Updating a child’s last name
- Divorce or separation (if not handled through divorce order)
- Correction of spelling or formatting issues
- Aligning legal documents with chosen identity
Recognize Your reason? Let’s Make It Official.
What’s Included in Our Service
We handle the full process for you, including:
- Review of eligibility & requirements
- Completion of all required name change application forms
- Assistance with police record check (as required by law)
- Submission to the Government of Ontario
- Ongoing updates and support during the process
- Help obtaining the legal name change certificate
- Guidance on updating other ID (e.g., passport, SIN, health card)
Don’t Face Delays Or Rejections
We make sure every step is correct. We handle it all — from forms to final certificate.
HOW IT WORKS
Start with a Free, Confidential Consultation
Beginning the legal name change process can feel overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to be. That’s why we start with a free, confidential consultation focused on clarity, support, and guidance.
During this first conversation, our experienced and LSO-authorized team will take the time to understand your situation, explain your eligibility, and walk you through the legal name change requirements in simple, easy-to-understand language. No legal jargon. No pressure. Just clear answers.
You’ll leave the consultation knowing exactly what documents you need, how the process works, and what to expect from start to finish.
From there, our streamlined, step-by-step system ensures your application is completed correctly, submitted properly, and processed efficiently — so you can move forward with confidence and privacy.
We Prepare All Required Forms & Documentation
We gather the necessary information, request required records, and complete every form for your legal name change, including background checks, guarantor requirements, and supporting documents.
Nothing is left out, and everything is done correctly the first time.
We File Your Application with ServiceOntario
Once your application is prepared, we submit it to the Government of Ontario on your behalf.
We track your file, monitor for updates, and ensure no delays occur due to missing information or errors.
Receive Your Legal Name Change Certificate
When the Government of Ontario approves your application, you’ll receive your official Legal Name Change Certificate.
We then guide you through updating your identification, government records, banking, health card, passport, and more — so every part of your life reflects your new name.
Why Choose Cordaie Paralegal Services?
- Licensed by the Law Society of Ontario
- Authorized to Provide Family Legal Services
- Experience with Name Changes for Adults, Children & Families
- Flat-Fee Pricing with Clear Steps
- Help Available Province-Wide | 100% Remote or In-Person
Our team includes are trained and authorized as FLSPs. They are able to help Ontarians across all backgrounds legally change their names with confidence and ease.
Speak Directly With An Authorized FLSP today.
Contact us today to get a free consultation.
“Damian is exceptionally skilled and deeply compassionate about his clients. His wealth of knowledge and professionalism is evident in every interaction. He responds promptly and efficiently, demonstrating a genuine care for the matter at hand.”
Banafsheh L., Former Client
Verified Google Review
Ontario-Wide Legal Name Change Services — Fast, Easy and Remote
Legal Name Change Services Anywhere in Ontario — Fast, Clear, and Fully Remote
Whether you’re in Toronto, Ottawa, Mississauga, Hamilton, or any community across Ontario, we provide clear, step-by-step guidance to help you complete your legal name change through the Government of Ontario.
Our services are fully remote and accessible province-wide — meaning you never need to visit an office or navigate complex government forms on your own. We handle everything online, including preparing your application, ensuring required documents are correct, guiding you through background check requirements, and helping you avoid delays or rejections.
Whether you're changing your name after marriage, divorce, for personal reasons, or to align with your identity, we make the process easier, faster, and stress-free. From your first question to receiving your legal name change certificate, we’re here to support you — anywhere in Ontario.
Ontario Legal Name Change FAQs — Clear Answers, Confident Next Steps
Changing your legal name can feel like a big step — and it’s natural to have questions about how the process works in Ontario. Whether you’re updating your own name, changing your child’s name, or correcting an existing record, our licensed paralegals, FLSPs are here to make it simple, clear, and stress-free.
Here, we’ve answered the most common questions our clients ask about the legal name change process — including eligibility, timelines, documentation, and what happens after your name change is approved. If you don’t see your question here, reach out anytime for a free, confidential consultation. We’ll guide you through each step with accuracy and care.
Need Clarity On Your Specific Situation?
Book Your Free Case Review to speak with a LSO licensed paralegal, FLSP.
1. Who is eligible to apply for a legal name change in Ontario?
You must be at least 16 years old and have lived in Ontario for at least 12 months.
Parents or legal guardians can apply on behalf of a child under 16.
2. How long does the legal name change process take?
Processing times vary, but most applications take 6–8 weeks once submitted to the Government of Ontario.
⚠️Important: Delays can occur if documents are missing or incomplete.
3. Do I need a legal name change to update my ID or documents?
Yes.
To update passports, health cards, bank accounts, driver's licences, and other official documents, you need a legal name change certificate, not just a preferred name or maiden name.
4. How much does a legal name change cost in Ontario?
All of our fees are clearly listed on our website—no guesswork, no hidden costs.
View our Family Law Services Fee Schedule to see current rates and get full transparency before taking the next step.
At the time of writing, ServiceOntario charges a government fee (typically around $137 for adults).
Additional fees apply for fingerprints, certificate copies, or replacing IDs.
We can help you understand all upfront costs.
5. Do I need fingerprints for a legal name change?
Yes.
Adults must complete a criminal background check through fingerprinting to confirm the name change is not being used for fraud or identity concealment.
6. Can I change my child’s name?
Yes.
A parent or legal guardian can apply for a child's name change.
⚠️Important: Consent from both parents is usually required unless a court order states otherwise.
7. Can I change my name after marriage or divorce without a legal name change?
Yes.
You can assume your spouse’s name or revert to your previous name without a legal name change.
⚠️Important: However, if you want an entirely different name, you must complete the legal process.
8. Do I need to go to court for a legal name change?
No.
Most Ontario legal name changes do not require a court appearance.
The process is handled through the Government of Ontario.
9. Will my name change be published in the Ontario Gazette?
In most cases, yes.
However, you may request an exemption for safety, privacy, or personal security reasons.
⚠️Important: We can help with exemption requests.
10. What happens after my name change is approved?
You’ll receive a legal name change certificate and a new birth certificate, which you can use to update all your personal identification and records.
11. Can a legal name change be denied?
Yes.
Applications may be rejected if:
- Paperwork is incomplete
- Required documents are missing
- Fingerprints aren’t submitted correctly
- There are concerns about fraud or identity concealment
⚠️Important: We help prevent avoidable mistakes and reduce the risk of delays or rejection.
12. Can you help me complete the entire application?
Absolutely.
We prepare the documents, guide you through fingerprinting, ensure accuracy, help avoid delays, and support you from start to finish — all done remotely.
What You’ll Need to Provide
We'll help you with the list
Before we start, you will need the following:
- Original birth certificate (long-form)
- Current government-issued ID
- Completed consent (if changing a child’s name and consent is required)
- Mailing address & contact info
- Police record check (we’ll show you how to obtain it)
We’ll Guide You Through Every Document
Get started today with the first step, reaching out for a free consultation.
