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About Attorney William Pesch and Guam Family Law Office


Upon graduating from college in 1976, I came to Guam as a high school Biology teacher. In 1979, I left the teaching profession to pursue a law degree from the American University Washington College of Law in Washington D.C. Upon graduating from law school in 1982, I clerked for Judge Joseph Ryan, a senior judge for the
Washington D. C. Superior Court. I returned to Guam in January 1983, and over the ensuing years worked for a private firm, as a public defender, and as the legal counsel to the Guam Department of Education.

In 1995, I established the Agana Legal Clinic, a private law firm specializing in meeting the diverse needs of Guam's families, civilian and military alike. In 2014, I renamed my practice the "Guam Family Law Office" where I continue to offer a wide range of legal services for Guam families, and to those residing elsewhere who choose to obtain a Guam divorce. I was raised in a military family, facing many of the same challenges experienced by all military families. For this reason, I am very empathetic to the special needs of military members and their dependents and I have a vast knowledge of both Guam and federal laws that impact military families.

I also offer professional mediation services for family-related matters through Pacific Arbitration and Mediation Services.  

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Name Changes


 

Who can get a "name change" and for what reason?


Any Guam resident can petition the court for a name change.


If the person desiring to change his name is under 18, then either one of the parents or a legal guardian must file the petition for the minor. There are many reasons people want to change their names. Some women who were divorced did not opt to have their maiden name restored in the final decree and now wish to return to their maiden name. Sometimes if a person moves here from a foreign country, he may wish to have a more western sounding name. A judge usually does not care about the reason for the name change as long as the purpose of the name change is not to avoid creditors.


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What is the process for obtaining a name change?

The person must file a Petition for Name change with the Superior Court. The Petition must include the place of birth, the residence of the person, his or her present name, the new proposed name, and the reason for the name change. If a minor is requesting a name change, the petition must include the name of both parents. Once a hearing date is set by the court, a copy of the notice of the petition and the hearing date must be posted in three public places in Hagatna and three public places in the person's home village. The notice must be published for at least four weeks prior to the hearing. Anyone who is objecting to the name change can appear and voice the grounds for their objection. The judge will then decide on whether to grant the name change.


How much will a name change cost?

The legal fee is $895, the court fees are $320, and the posting fee is $75, for a total of $1,290*. This fee includes the preparation of the necessary court documents, the posting of the name change hearing, and one court hearing. Notary fees are extra.

* If you pay by credit card there is a 3 1/2% processing fee. If you pay by wire transfer there is a $15 processing fee.


How can I get started with my name change?

Simply click on the "Name Change Worksheet" button and complete the form. It is important that you fill the worksheet out completely. Once you have completed the worksheet, call my office at 472-8472 and set up an appointment for a consultation.  The consultation fee is $75 for up to 30 minutes.  Be sure to bring the worksheet with you and a copy of the birth certificate for the person desiring to get a name change. Without a worksheet, I will not be able to meet with you.  >Click here to get started with a worksheet
 


LEGAL DISCLAIMER
 

This explanation sheet is provided for general information only and should not be interpreted as legal advice. You should discuss the specifics of your situation with a reputable attorney prior to taking any legal action. Neither this site nor anyone associated with this site shall be held liable for the use of the information contained in this document or for any decisions made based on the information provided herein.