How to Legal Change Your Name
Some states have different name change procedures for everyone except for a woman who adopts her husband`s surname after marriage (including hyphenation), depending on the circumstances. As a result, a formal application for a name change may need to be filed with the court in the following circumstances: If you are an adult who simply wants to change your name, you will need: If you are starting a new business, you will need to choose a name that can be used in your state and does not violate another company`s trademark. Be sure to check your state`s requirements by visiting your state government`s website or calling your clerk. This could include a motion, a petition to change the name, and other documents to request the change. You may also have to pay a registration fee. Name changes cost a few hundred dollars and vary depending on where you sign up. No one likes to be teased because of a name they didn`t choose themselves. If you legally change your name, you have the option to delete a name that you find embarrassing or that you think just doesn`t suit you. Your name change request may be denied (although this probably won`t happen if you follow our advice above).
The two main reasons why a name change request may be denied are: There`s a reason we`re talking about documents before the name change process, and if you`ve ever shown up at the DMV without preparation, you know why. If not, here`s what happens: Most likely, you will have to fill out a large amount of paperwork that coincides with your name change. There is paperwork when you have to file with the courts, and there is paperwork to change your name on your important documents (such as passports or bank accounts). Overall, it can be a lot of work. Regardless of the reason for the child`s name change, the court usually requires that the standard that the name change is in the best interests of the child. In all other cases, the change of name of a minor child requires the filing of an application with the court. If you want to get your maiden name back after the divorce, you can apply for it during the divorce process in most states. The judge can then make an order to reinstate your old name. You will need a copy of the order as proof of the change to update your Social Security card and driver`s license. If you want to change your name because you got married, simply present your marriage certificate to request the change. Once you have your driver`s license or passport in the new name, you can use it to change your name elsewhere.
In general, the six steps to a name change vary from state to state, but the following list is a good place to start. Check with your local court to get all the necessary requirements for a name change in your area. If you need help, a family law lawyer can prepare your petition and answer your questions. If you hire a lawyer, you will also pay legal fees. You can also use an online legal service to help you complete the name change application. You may also need to consider other fees, such as: Related to: Some forms may not display correctly in your browser. Please download the forms and open them with Acrobat Reader. Generally, you can legally change your name to any name you want, although state marriage laws can also provide additional legal advice. However, there are some exceptions. For example, you can`t: As the great William Shakespeare once wrote, “What`s in a name?” It turns out it`s a lot.
Especially if you want to change it. Once you`ve legally changed your name, consider changing your name as well: Julia DiPrete is a freelance writer, former legal counsel, cheeky night owl, and xennial. She has worked in the career counselling and legal recruitment departments of law schools and has been extensively huddled in and out of the legal industry. When she`s not writing, she`s probably doing mommy things, fighting with her three dogs, lifting weights, or making excuses not to clean her house. A: While most names are on the table, there are usually restrictions on your ability to change your name at will. For example, you cannot change your name to avoid creditors or arrests, to mislead, confuse or offend others. Numbers and special characters are generally not allowed for name changes. If there are objections to the application, the court conducts proceedings to hear it.
The court can either dismiss the application or issue an order authorizing the name change. If no objection is raised, the court may make a decision without a hearing. After publication and sending, send the original quote with an excerpt from the newspaper communication, the green postcard and your signature confirming that you have sent the notice to the court and published it. Don`t worry, this shouldn`t make the name change much more complex. In reality, the process is very similar in most states. Nevertheless, you need to know your state`s rules so that you can follow them to the letter. In addition to your friends and family, here are some of the companies you should notify once you`ve legally changed your name: There are three situations where you don`t have to file a complaint in court and pay a fee just to change your name: Legal change of your name, Whether for marriage, divorce or any other reason, can be a great life event. Each state`s laws are different and you should make sure to do so in accordance with the book, including filing your petition to change your name with the appropriate government agency. Let an experienced family law lawyer guide you through the process. Since the United States is a federalist republic, we have two levels of government: federal and state. For most normal things, it`s the states that set the rules — meaning the answers to questions like “How can I legally change my name?” depend on the state you live in. Each state has its own laws and processes for implementing those laws.
To legally change your name, you must file a petition with your local Supreme Court. If you are requesting a name change, you must publish your petition and wait at least 30 days before a hearing. Once the court approves your name change application, you must update your name on government-issued ID and other documents. You certainly can, and it would almost certainly make the process considerably easier and faster. Unfortunately, avocados are (usually) not cheap. If legal aid is not included in your budget, you can change your name without it. Just be very careful to cross your T`s and pierce your I`s. If the name change is allowed, the court will issue you a change of name order, and a certificate can be requested for a fee. For more information on obtaining a copy of the certificate, see Request a copy of an estate and family law file. Not in most states, but it`s useful. In most states, you can legally change your name by simply using it. You can choose a name and use it simply in social environments and in your business.
This may be a completely legal name change. If your divorce is already final and did not contain such an order, it may be possible to amend the original order to reflect your desire to change your name, although this varies by state. In this case, you may need to file an application with the court to change your divorce decree. There are many reasons why someone might want to change their name, often after a marriage or divorce. The process of legally changing your name usually involves requesting your name change and using your new name. Creativity is very personal, and some people may feel limited by the name they receive. Changing your name allows you to get creative and choose something unique that will help you stand out from the crowd, as long as it`s not a name change prohibited by your state. Since every state is different in its name change rules, you should check with your local clerk to find out what your state`s requirements are. If you change your name after a divorce, simply present the certificate of dissolution or decree of divorce to return to your premarital name.
Most divorces include an order authorizing this change. The most common reasons for a name change are marriage or divorce. The following situations are also common reasons: Of course, we are talking about a court, not the DMV, but the principle is the same. Save time and learn about the documents you need before you start. These depend on a) your country of residence and b) the reason for your name change. If your name of choice does not fall into the above categories, double-checking with a lawyer can help ensure that the change is legally valid. Changing your name to match your spouse`s last name is one of the most common reasons people want to change their name. This can help some couples feel like a shared family unit and can simplify future cases that require identification, such as filing taxes together. Depending on your state, you may need to post a notice regarding your name change request.
The court clerk should be able to explain this process, which usually includes an advertisement in the local newspaper. Alternatively, the court can do this for you. No matter what type of small business you own, there are grants to help your business grow. Read on for more details on 21 financing options and databases. How quickly your case will be heard depends on the backlog of cases in probate court and family court where your case was submitted. If your case does not require a personal hearing, the case will be referred to the judge once you have returned the proof of service to the court and the return date has passed. In some states, you can change a child`s name on their birth certificate for up to one year after birth.
