how to change your name in florida without a lawyer

How do I change my name legally in Florida?

 · A lawyer is not technically required. However, many Floridians do not realize that the process to change a name is a court process. It is not a matter of filling out a form and having a bureaucrat change a birth certificate. Rather, someone who wishes to take on a new name must file a petition with the appropriate clerk of the court.

Can a name change be denied or contested in Florida?

In the state of Florida, the process for obtaining a name change for an adult begins with the filing of a Petition with the Circuit Court in the jurisdiction in which the Petitioner resides. The Petitioner must file an official set of his/her fingerprints when (s)he files his/her Petition, except where a former name is being restored.

How do I get a change of name from a judge?

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Can a person apply for a change of name?

Do I need a lawyer to change my name in Florida?

The short answer is no. A lawyer is not technically required. However, many Floridians do not realize that the process to change a name is a court process. It is not a matter of filling out a form and having a bureaucrat change a birth certificate.

How much does it cost to legally change your name in Florida?

Go to your local DHSMV office with proof of your legal name change, your current license or ID, proof of your Social Security number, proof of Florida residency, proof of citizenship (birth certificate or passport will work), and marriage certificate, if applicable. It will cost $25 to complete this process.

Can I change my name without a lawyer?

You do not need to follow any legal procedure in order to change your name. You may call yourself whatever you choose as long as you are not defrauding anyone.

Can you change your name online Florida?

The SSA doesn't offer an online name change process, so you have to apply in person or mail a completed application. Visit SSA.org and enter your zip code to locate the Florida SSA office nearest to you.

How do I change my name legally in Florida?

Adult Name Change (No Marriage or Divorce)Step 1 – Background Check. ... Step 2 – Disclosure from Nonlawyer. ... Step 3 – Petition for Change of Name. ... Step 4 – Sign in the Presence of a Notary Public. ... Step 5 – Submit Filings to the Circuit Court. ... Step 6 – Final Judgement of Change of Name. ... Step 7 – Attend Hearing.

How long does a name change take in Florida?

Name change actions can take anywhere from a day to six (6) months (sometimes even longer). The time it takes for such action to be ordered/decreed varies not only from county to county, but sometimes from courthouse to courthouse as well.

Do you need a witness to change your name?

Anyone over the age of 16 can change their name by deed poll. If you are aged over 16 years but not yet 18 years old, the process is the same as it is for an adult. You do not need the consent of whoever has parental responsibility for you. Please book an appointment and come with relevant ID and a witness.

How long does it take to change your name?

How long does it take to legally change my name? Name change actions can take anywhere from a day, to six (6) months (sometimes even longer). The time it takes for name change actions to be ordered/decreed varies not only from state to state but from county to county and courthouse to courthouse as well.

How much does it cost to change your name?

Name changes cost anywhere from under $100 to more than $500, depending on your state. In many states, fees vary in each county, so check with your local probate, family, or district court clerk. Many states still have fees well under $100.

What documents do you need to change your name?

You will also need to bring the following documents:Proof of citizenship: your valid passport or a certified copy of your birth certificate.Proof of name change: a certified copy of your marriage license. ... Proof of identity: This must show your name and date of birth or age, and it must have a recent photograph.More items...•

How can I change my name legally?

Steps to Legally Change Your NamePetition to change your name by filling out a name change form, an order to show cause for legally changing your name, and a decree to legally change your name.Take these forms to the court clerk and file them along with your state's required filing fees.More items...•

How do I change name on Social Security card?

To change your name on your card, you must show us documents proving your legal name change and identity. You also must show us a document proving your U.S. citizenship, if it is not already in our records. You must present original documents or copies certified by the agency that issued them.

How to change your name in Florida?

To change your name in Florida, start by having your fingerprints taken by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement so they can run a criminal background check on you. Next, fill out and sign the required petition and have it notarized.

How to get a new name on your social security card?

Now that you have a new name, you need to update your social security card. Take your court order to the Social Security Administration along with your birth certificate, a photo ID such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID, and a completed application for a new Social Security card.

How to get a new driver's license?

Apply for a new driver's license. Once you receive your new social security card, you need to visit your local DMV. You need to take your new social security card, your court order, and your old driver's license or state ID. You will also need to have two forms of documentation of your current residence. Once you turn over these documents to the DMV , you can have your license changed to reflect your new name.

Who will send a copy of the final judgment?

The Clerk of Court will send out a copy of the final judgment to the Department of Law Enforcement and the Department of Motor Vehicles.

How to file a criminal background check?

You do not need to make an appointment to file the petition, but you should go to the court during its normal operating hours. When you file it, you must pay any required filing fees. Once you file your petition, the hearing may be held as soon as the Clerk of Court receives the results of your criminal background check.

What documents are needed for proof of residence in Florida?

The proof of residence documents can be a deed, mortgage bill, Florida Voter Registration card, a car title held in Florida, a W-2 form, mail from any official government body, or a car insurance bill. ...

Do notaries sign petitions?

If you hold an account at the bank, the notary will usually witness and sign your petition free of charge. If you do not have an account at the bank where you go to get your petition notarized, you may be charged a small fee.

How to change your name on your license in Florida?

After reporting your new name to the SSA, visit a Florida DHSMV location and request an updated driver’s license. They will ask you to provide an original or certified copy of the following documents: 1 Florida driver’s license or ID card 2 Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal presence 3 Proof of name change 4 Proof of social security number 5 Proof of legal residency

How to file name change request for non-lawyer?

If you are filing the name change request with the assistance of another person who is not a lawyer (referred to as a “nonlawyer”), the individual must complete the Disclosure From Nonlawyer form. Once completed, provide your signature above the “Signature of Party” line and print several copies of the form.

Where to file child custody?

Go to the circuit court in the child’s county of residence and submit your filings to a court clerk. Included with your submission must be the following:

How to get my child's name back?

Locate a law enforcement agency or service provider designated by the Department of Law Enforcement to record fingerprints. Visit the location and pay the processing fee to have your fingerprints taken. The agency will then conduct the criminal history check and return the results to you by mail. Make several copies of the results and keep them for your personal records.

What to do when your case number is called?

When your case number is called, provide the judge with the Final Judgement form and answer any questions that the judge might have. If the judge approves your request for a change of name, the judge will sign the Final Judgement form and return it to you.

How much does it cost to file a circuit court case?

Although the fee will vary depending on your county of residence, expect to pay a filing fee of approximately $200 to $300. After submitting your filings, ask the clerk to schedule your hearing.

How to get my name back after a divorce?

Unless you are attempting to restore your former name, you will need to submit a state and national fingerprint-based background check to the circuit court. Contact the Department of Law Enforcement to locate a law enforcement agency or service provider authorized to submit electronic fingerprints to the Department. Next, go to the agency or service provider to have your fingerprints recorded. Both background checks demand the payment of a processing fee (contact the agency in advance to determine the amount).

How old do you have to be to change your name in Florida?

You must currently live in the County where the name change action will be filed. You must be an adult, 18 years of age or older.

Who must give written consent to name change?

Written consent to the name change must be provided by all adults who retain legal rights over the minor.

What happens if a court finds that the requirements of the law have been satisfied and no reason exists for not

If the court finds that the requirements of the law have been satisfied and no reason exists for not granting the Petition, the Order will be issued by the court. Thereafter, the minor is free to assume their new name.

Can a parent change their name if they are a non-resident?

If only one parent files for the change of name, and the non-petitioning parent will not sign a Consent for Change of Name (Minor Child (ren)) form, process must be served on the other parent and, if they are a non-resident, the court may authorize constructive notice by publication.

When is a name change hearing held?

A hearing on the name change Petition may be held immediately after it is filed. If the court finds that the requirements of the law have been satisfied and there is no reason to deny your Petition, the Final Judgment ('Order') will be issued by the court. Thereafter, you are free to assume your new name.

Do you need to notify a minor of a name change?

IMPORTANT NOTE: For name change actions which involve a minor, courts typically seek written consent from every adult who retains legal rights over the minor. As such, the applicant must directly notify each of these parties (Service of Process).

Can you change your name for fraud?

You cannot change your name for a fraudulent purpose, such as to avoid debts, you cannot change to a name that could affect the rights of another person, such as a celebrity, you cannot use a curse word, racial slur, obscene and/or an offensive word as part of your name and you cannot change to a name that would cause deliberate confusion (for example, a name with punctuation and/or a number in it).

How to change your name in Florida?

Ready to take the plunge? Know that changing your name in Florida must occur across a few mediums: A social security name change, a passport name change and a driver's license name change are the first three steps to take. Each of these mediums has its own set of instructions and forms that need to be completed. From there, you'll also want to tackle smaller switches, which include everything from updating social media to transferring airline rewards to your new title.

What documents are needed to change your name in Florida?

Other documents you need to certify a change of name in Florida include: Proof of identity such as your driver's license, state-issued non-driver's ID card or U.S. passport. The SSA may also be able to accept an employer ID card, school ID card, health insurance card or U.S. military ID card.

How to change your name on your passport if you are not eligible?

If you learn that you're not eligible for a passport name change using Form DS-82, you'll need to use Form DS-11. You'll have to complete Form DS-11 in person. It's available on the State Department website and can either be filled out online or printed and completed by hand.

What to bring to Social Security office in Florida?

Proof of Social Security number, such as your new Social Security card or W-2 form. If you receive an ineligibility letter from the Social Security Administration, bring it along with one document from Florida's GatherGoGet list.

Does Florida charge for name change?

There's no charge to get a social security name change in the state of Florida.

Is there a fee for changing your name on your passport in Florida?

Like the SSA name change process, this process is nationally standardized—AKA it isn't actually specific to Florida. It typically requires a fee depending on how long it's been since your current passport (if you have one) was issued. For more information about the options below, visit the State Department's complete guide to passport name changes.

What is a name change in Florida?

The State Of Florida Will Grant Name Changes Under The Following Conditions: A name change that correlates to marriage dissolution. A name change that is in the best interests of a minor child. A name change for an adult not related to any marriage dissolution .

Can a minor change his name in Florida?

Also, name changes for the children are commonly sought. Our Florida attorneys assist clients with filing the necessary documentation in name change cases involving a minor child. As in other matters of family law, the best interests of the child remains the primary objective of the court. If found to be in the best interest of the child, the name change will be allowed.

Can you change your maiden name in a divorce?

It is extremely common for a divorcing party to wish the restoration of their maiden name. The process lacks the complexity of other family law matters. By including your desire for a name change within the divorce petition, it will be included within final judgment. Like a marriage license, the final judgment allows you to legally change your name at both the social security and DMV office.

Why is my name transferred to the Unlicensed Practice of Law Department?

The caller is then transferred to the Unlicensed Practice of Law Department because you, or your name, appears to be practicing law without a license.

How to find out your Florida bar name?

How can you find out what your official Bar name is? Look at the certificate you got from the Supreme Court of Florida when you became licensed or at the card you got from The Florida Bar with your Bar number on it. Can’t find those? You can find your records on the Bar’s Web site, floridabar.org. Just click on Find a Lawyer and put in your Bar number. Or you can call the Bar’s Membership Records Department (850-561-5832) and give them your Bar number, and they can tell you how your name is listed with The Florida Bar.

How to find my Florida bar records?

You can find your records on the Bar’s Web site, floridabar.org. Just click on Find a Lawyer and put in your Bar number. Or you can call the Bar’s Membership Records Department (850-561-5832) and give them your Bar number, and they can tell you how your name is listed with The Florida Bar.

Is it legal to practice under a different name than admitted?

While it may be true that a rose by any other name is still a rose, an attorney practicing under a name other than as admitted is a rule violation. Rule 1-3.3 of the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar requires each member of The Florida Bar to designate an official Bar name and mandates that “the official Bar name of each member ...

Do you need to include a self address envelope when changing your last name?

You should also include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return of the order approving the change . The same procedure applies if you have a change in last name due to marriage or divorce. So, it really boils down to be or not to be, for Bar purposes anyway. I once heard that change is good for the soul.

Step 1 – Background Check

Step 2 – Disclosure from Nonlawyer

• If a person is helping you fill out your change of name request, that person must complete a Disclosure From Nonlawyerform before assisting you. This individual will further be known as the “nonlawyer.” After the form has been completed by the nonlawyer, provide your signature on the “Signature of Party” line. Have several copies of the form made f...

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Step 3 – Petition For Change of Name

Step 4 – Sign in The Presence of A Notary Public

Step 5 – Submit Filings to The Circuit Court

Step 6 – Final Judgement of Change of Name

Step 7 – Attend Hearing

Step 4 – File with The Circuit Court

Step 5 – Consent of Other Parent