§ 25-21,273.Change of name; effect; costs; how taxed; exception.
Article 21: Special Proceedings and Actions · Last amended 2023 · Last verified July 22, 2026
In one sentenceThis section puts the cost of a Nebraska name-change proceeding on the petitioner, unless the petitioner qualifies to proceed in forma pauperis, and confirms that changing a name does not disturb any right of action, legal process, or property tied to the old name.
Full Text of § 25-21,273
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(1) Unless the petitioner is allowed to proceed in forma pauperis in accordance with sections 25-2301 to 25-2310, all proceedings under sections 25-21,270 to 25-21,272 shall be at the cost of the petitioner, for which fee-bill or execution may issue as in civil cases.
(2) Any change of names under such sections shall not in any manner affect or alter any right of action, legal process, or property.
Filing for a name change is not free. Section 25-21,273 places the cost of the proceeding on the person or municipality that petitions for it, whether the request involves an individual under section 25-21,271 or a town, village, or city under section 25-21,272. A fee-bill or execution can issue for those costs just as it would in any other civil case. The one exception is a petitioner who qualifies to proceed in forma pauperis under Nebraska’s poverty-affidavit statutes, sections 25-2301 to 25-2310, which lets a petitioner who cannot afford the costs move forward without paying them up front.
The section also settles a practical worry: does a new name wipe out contracts, lawsuits, debts, or property tied to the old one? No. A name change under these sections has no effect on any right of action, legal process, or property. A person who sues, is sued, owns property, or holds a claim under a former name keeps every one of those rights and obligations after the court grants a new name.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who pays the costs of a Nebraska name-change case?
The petitioner, unless the petitioner qualifies to proceed in forma pauperis under sections 25-2301 to 25-2310.
Can someone who cannot afford the filing costs still get a name change?
Yes, if the court allows the petitioner to proceed in forma pauperis under the poverty-affidavit statutes.
Does changing my name cancel any contracts or debts I had under my old name?
No. Section 25-21,273 states that a name change does not affect or alter any right of action, legal process, or property.
If I own property under my old name, do I lose it after a name change?
The name change itself does not affect your property rights, though you may want to update titles and records to reflect your new name.
Does this cost rule apply to a town or village changing its name too?
Yes. It covers proceedings under sections 25-21,270 to 25-21,272, which includes both individual and municipal name changes.
Source & verification. Section text and the amendment-history citation are
reproduced verbatim from the Nebraska Legislature, Revisor of Statutes, enacted by the
Nebraska Legislature. Last verified July 22, 2026. ·
Official source
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