How to Change Your Name on Legal Documents
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 application could be denied are: 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 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. Note: The fear of fraud is real, so don`t be surprised if you get turned away by banks, insurance companies, etc. Fortunately, you have your court-issued certificate to secure yourself, so be sure to present it. Take a deep breath and be patient. 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. 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.
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. A change of name form must be completed. This is the main document used to submit your name change request. This document can be mailed or submitted online, depending on the state. Once the form and other documents are completed, go to your local district office to have them checked. This can save you a lot of time and hassle if you have made a mistake while filling out the form. If it is completed by mail, be sure to make 2 copies of the form and send the original. An application fee is charged by most states, but in some cases it is possible to request a fee waiver.
While there is no law requiring a name change after marriage, the practice is still common in the United States — and not just for women. Men are increasingly adopting their wives` surnames, and in the case of same-sex marriages, some couples decide that a surname is beneficial to them, especially if they are children. Here are some frequently asked questions about name change. In addition to your friends and family, here are some of the entities you need to notify once you have legally changed your name: If you apply less than 1 year after your previous passport was issued, you must collect the following: Every important decision comes with a list of pros and cons, and changing your name is no different. Here are some pros and cons of name change: If you`re lucky, there`s a DMV representative at the door who asks if you have all the documents you need and refuses if you don`t. If you`re unlucky, take a number and wait forever, only to go to the counter and then be turned away because you don`t have the right documents. 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. 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. Therefore, it may be necessary to make a formal request for a name change to the court in the following circumstances: This information was prepared as a public service of the State of Georgia to provide general information, not to give advice on a specific legal issue.
This is not legal advice and cannot be construed as such. If you have any questions about any topic on this page, please contact the relevant agency. You get the idea, don`t you? In many cases, the legal process of changing your name might actually be the easy part. The most common reasons for a name change are marriage or divorce. Adoption, as well as the following situations, are also common reasons: If one of these entities prevents you from informing them of your legal name change, remind them of your right and offer them a copy of the court order. If necessary, talk to a supervisor. Keep in mind that many financial institutions and creditors will hesitate for fear of identity theft and fraud. Be patient and keep forcing the use of your new name. Eventually, it will prevail permanently.
Follow these steps to have your name legally changed by a court. 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: joint filing of your taxes. 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. The problems arise when it comes to government and financial authorities. Since identity theft, credit card fraud, and even fear of terrorist spies are widespread, many financial and government agencies may require legal court documents to prove your identity. There are certain forms of identification, such as a social security card, birth certificate, and passports, that absolutely require legal name change documents.
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. 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. Talking to a family attorney about your state`s specific rules for a name change can help you prepare for future contingencies. 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. There are two ways to go if you change your last name. The easiest way to change your last name is through marriage.
The other way is to file a petition to change your name in the county where you reside, which takes a little longer. Each state has its own laws and processes for implementing those laws. Putting your personal happiness above the opinions of others can be liberating, and that`s true when it comes to changing your name. However, explaining your name change can be tedious, and some people find it not worth sending an announcement to family, friends, colleagues, and acquaintances. The good news is that assembling your documents is the hardest part of a legal name change, or at least the most tedious. Once you have your documents in order, go to court and submit them to the court registry. Once the application is filed with the county official, you will receive a hearing date where you can present the reasons for the name change. Generally, the court will publish the hearing date within 4 to 6 weeks of submitting your application. This may seem like a long wait for a rather simple hearing. However, in most cases, there will be actions that you will need to complete before the court hearing, and the long wait will give you enough time to perform the necessary actions. This brings us to our next step. In the United States, we have a lot of freedom to choose a new name – but it`s not absolute.