Will Legally Change Your Name

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. 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. If you are divorcing, the change to your maiden name is usually covered in divorce proceedings. Your name change should be reflected in your dissolution or divorce judgment, according to the CDC. 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. 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: The first question that may come to mind after completing your name change is probably how to change your name on your Social Security card, but that`s just one of the documents you`ll need to update to reflect your new name: If the order can`t be changed or you don`t want to go through this process, you may need to request a name change, but keep in mind that many states will allow you to simply reuse your old name as long as you do it regularly. You can then request that it be changed in all your identification and personal records, but only after you have asked the court for a formal and documented change.

You can review all the requirements for your residency and file the required documents to change your name by contacting your local county court. Some states require you to file your name change in court, while others don`t. Here we will break down the general process to get a name change. You can submit the required name change forms to the probate and family court in the county where you live. In all other cases, the change of name of a minor child requires the filing of an application with the court. You get the idea, don`t you? In many cases, the legal process of changing your name might actually be the easy part. According to LegalZoom, you should be willing to spend at least $100 to $150 to file a name change application in court, plus additional fees to get your forms notarized. You can change your name at your local probate and family court. 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 refused are: Answer questions while you feel comfortable doing so, but remember that the name you have chosen is a very personal matter. The important thing is that your new name makes you happy and reflects an identity that suits you. Finally, transgender people undergoing sex reassignment surgery should be cautious when changing their name with their health insurance company to avoid confusion and ensure coverage.

Insurance companies, for example, will not cover hysterectomy for legal men. In some states, you can change a child`s name on their birth certificate for up to one year after birth. An adopted child can usually obtain a new name during the adoption process without having to apply separately for a name change. Here are some frequently asked questions about name change. Be sure to change your name on all your personal and legal documents such as wills, deeds, titles, trusts, accounts and powers of attorney. Changing your name on estate planning documents will make it much easier for your heirs in the future. While your heirs may not be disinherited due to a name discrepancy, they may need to go through other steps to show your previous name and true identity before receiving their share. 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. “The most important thing to keep in mind about any name change is that it`s a process, not a one-stop shop,” Anna Phipps, vice president of experience at HitchSwitch, told Mental Floss.

If you encounter instances where your old name still exists, you should fix these errors. Name changes cost a few hundred dollars and vary depending on where you sign up. Your loved ones may not understand the reasons why you change your name, especially if you choose to give up a surname or change the birth name your parents gave you. You`ll also likely need certified copies of your name change application documents or marriage certificate to present to various institutions, so plan to pay a pretty penny for these duplicates. In some states, you may end up spending up to $450 on your new name. 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: According to FindLaw, most states prohibit changing your name to avoid getting into debt, hiding from criminal responsibility, or committing a crime. While it may seem intimidating to appear in court or fill out legal paperwork, you don`t need to hire a lawyer to change your name. If you are an adult who simply wants to change your name, you will need: To update your birth certificate, follow these steps: If there are objections to the application, the court will conduct 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.

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 legal name, you must initiate legal proceedings. You are free to use an alias or nickname at any time, but it is not your official name. The reason for your name change will determine the legal process you need to follow. Whatever your reasons, there are a few things to consider before taking the plunge. Here are the most important things you need to know before changing your name. The dissolution decree is your main document to change your name with other institutions where you were listed by your married name. Changing your name after your divorce is final — rather than filing it at the same time as your divorce — will require an additional court order, filling out certain forms, submitting criminal record information, and paying processing fees. However, this simple procedure usually does not require a lawyer.

As LegalZoom explains, “In most states, before a court legally changes your name, you must publish a notice of your planned change in a newspaper. This allows your creditors and other interested parties to oppose the change. At the very least, they will be informed that your name will change. “Your last step after changing your name is to inform government agencies, businesses, family and friends of your new name. Before you do anything else, you should contact the Social Security Administration. Fill out the appropriate form, send them a few different IDs and your marriage certificate, and wait for your new documents. If you cannot pay the application fee because you are poor, you can ask for it to be waived. If you can`t afford the court fees, you will need to qualify under the federal poverty income guidelines and file an affidavit of need. This explains your financial situation to the court so that the court can decide whether or not you should pay your own costs. For more information, please visit our Neediness page. Related: How to Fix an Error on a Birth Certificate? Source: Change or correct name in Travel.State.Gov travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/have-passport/change-correct.html passport People who don`t like their birth name can legally change it to another name they`re more comfortable with by following some reasonable considerations and exceptions: If you talk to a family attorney about your state`s specific rules for a name change, you can count on Prepare for the unexpected in the future. The 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. 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. Adopting a new name other than your birth name often coincides with a major life change, such as marriage, divorce, adoption, or the desire to adapt to a person`s gender identity. In other cases, a person may opt for this simply because they don`t like their first name.