if i want to change my name what kind of lawyer do i need

Full Answer

Where can I find a lawyer to change my name?

Adult Name Change Lawyers. LegalMatch matches you to pre-screened lawyers in your city or county based on the specifics of your case. Within 24 hours experienced local lawyers review it and evaluate if you have a solid case. If so, attorneys respond with an offer to represent you that includes a full attorney profile with details on their fee...

What is the process of legally changing your name?

Each state has its own laws and restrictions but the general process of legally changing your name is pretty straightforward. 1. Marriage Name Change To legally change your name through marriage, you must apply for a marriage license at your county courthouse.

Can you legally change your name after marriage?

People change their legal name for many reasons. For the most part name changes happen due to marriage, divorce, gender change or court order. Marriage and divorce are the most common reasons for legal name changes. You need a marriage certificate if you’d like to take your spouse’s name after your wedding.

When can I replace my attorney?

In matters of civil law, you generally have the right to replace your attorney whenever you want to, for whatever reason. In criminal matters, you can also replace your defense attorney, though that ability might be subject to court approval in certain circumstances.

How difficult is it to change your name?

The process of changing your name is not difficult however it requires a tedious effort to do so. There are many steps, which can be slow at times, that are required to successfully change your name. It's easy to change your name in social settings, all you have to do is introduce yourself with your desired name.

Where do you go to change your name?

You can change your name by following your state's name change guidelines. While each state's policy varies, the first step is to file a formal petition for a name change with your local court. You can ask the court if it supplies the forms. Otherwise, you may need to check online or consult with an attorney.

How can you change your name for free?

The Social Security Administration has its own form which you can get for free. The good folks at SSI will also let the IRS know about the name change, so you're good to go.

Do you need a reason to change your name?

You don't need a good reason, just a legal one. You can change your name for any purpose short of breaking the law— and you can do it without a lawyer.

Can I legally change my name?

Typically, you may legally change your name to whatever name you'd like. There are some exceptions, though: You can't change your name just to escape debt liability or to hide from criminal liability. You can't change your name in order to commit a crime.

How long does it take to change your name?

Changing your name cannot be done overnight, it requires systematic planning and involves a host of complicated pre and post-gazette publication compliance. While it might take approximately 4-8 weeks to get your name changed published in the gazette.

How much does it cost to change a 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 do I put for reason for name change?

Here we have enlisted some of the top reasons for the name change.Fancy for a new name. ... Changing name after divorce: ... Couples who are combining surnames. ... Religious reasons: ... Avoid confusions: ... Gender change: ... Changing name after marriage: ... Astrological or numerological changes:More items...

How much does it cost to change name on birth certificate?

Costs for this service A statutory correction application fee of £75 or £90 will be charged for the consideration of a correction to a registration. If you require any replacement certificates that show the correction note, these will cost an additional £11 each.

What are the consequences of changing your name?

You probably expect to need to update your Social Security information and your credit cards, but there are plenty of other people who need to know about your new name as well. "A name change can have an impact on your taxes. All the names on your tax return must match Social Security Administration records.

What disadvantages might there be to changing your name?

There are some potential drawbacks to changing your name Otherwise, you can expect to pay a court fee, typically $275, for the legal process of changing your name. You will also need to file a petition, provide information about previous bankruptcies or criminal convictions, all of which can be quite time-consuming.

What is the best last name?

The Most Popular Last NamesSURNAMERANKPROPORTION PER 100,000 POPULATIONSMITH1828.2JOHNSON2655.2WILLIAMS3551.0BROWN4487.223 more rows

2 attorney answers

This is a fairly straightforward action depending on the circumstances. Any solo or general practitioner (lawyer) should be able to assist in drafting the appropriate legal documents.

John Roache Cook IV

If this is connected to a divorce, then it can be done during the proceedings. Otherwise it's an application through the La. Vital Records and you have to file a motion with the court in your jurisdiction. I would suggest a family law lawyer or a general practioner.

How Do I Legally Change My Name After Getting Married?

A newlywed wanting to change their name needs the original marriage license with the raised seal. This has the individual’s new last name on it. After receiving the marriage certificate, the newlywed must:

How Do I Change My Name Back to My Maiden Name?

In many states, all a spouse must do is ask the judge over the divorce case to change the last name back to the maiden name. If a divorce decree does not show a name change, an individual can restore their maiden name with some proof of it on an old document like a passport. If that is not an option, just consistently start using the maiden name.

What If I Just Want to Change My Name Legally?

An individually wanting to change their name legally must petition the court for the permission to do so. The exact court they must file the petition at depends on the state where they reside.

Should I Contact a Lawyer about a Legal Name Change?

Yes, it is highly recommended that you contact a family lawyer regarding a name change. They will help you follow the correct procedure and file all of the correct paperwork.

Do you have to appear before a judge?

Some states do not require an appearance before the judge and will mail you the signed order. In some states, they will allow you to have a brief court appearance the same day your turn in your forms if the schedule allows. Some states do not require an appearance before the judge and will mail you the signed order.

Can you change your name if you have been convicted of a felony?

Some states will not allow a name change if you have been convicted of a felony. Some states require a fingerprint criminal history record. You must read and follow the steps outlined by your states law.

Can I change my last name in Cincinnati?

How to Change Last Name at Cincinnati Clerk of Courts. A legal name change does not require an attorney and can be completed by yourself. You must follow some guidelines, such as, you cannot change your name to a famous person, you cannot change your name to avoid legal issues and you cannot change your name to one that is demeaning ...

What to do if your name is not allowed to be changed?

If the court does not allow modification, you will likely need to file a petition for a court-ordered name change. You should always keep proof of your original name (birth certificate) in case you run into any difficulties with using it again. 3. Court-Ordered Name Change.

How to change your name after divorce?

The first step of a divorce name change is to go through divorce proceedings in your state. After the state says your divorce is final, you will be able to obtain a divorce decree which serves as your legal name change document.

What is a court order name change?

3. Court-Ordered Name Change. A legal name change for reasons other than marriage or divorce is a court-ordered name change and is usually because of personal preference or gender change. It’s a common misconception but not all states require you to file your name change in court if it falls under the state’s usage method.

Why do people change their names?

People change their legal name for many reasons. For the most part name changes happen due to marriage, divorce, gender change or court order. Marriage and divorce are the most common reasons for legal name changes. You need a marriage certificate if you’d like to take your spouse’s name after your wedding. To get your maiden name back ...

How to get your maiden name back after divorce?

To get your maiden name back after divorce all you need is a divorce decree. And most states allow you to obtain a court-ordered name change if you don’t like your current name. Each state has its own laws and restrictions but the general process of legally changing your name is pretty straightforward. 1. Marriage Name Change.

How to update your name after marriage?

The first place to update your name after your marriage is with the Social Security Administration (SSA). You do this by submitting Form SS-5, your marriage certificate, and proof of your identity and citizenship.

What is asking for a name?

Asking for a name which has the intention of being misleading, typically done by taking the name of someone famous. Choosing a confusing name which may include numbers or symbols. Seeking a name that may be offensive to others (racial slurs, fighting words, viewed as threatening, etc.)

How to change your name without a lawyer?

There you will find out if you need a lawyer for the process but typically your county clerks office will give you information pertaining to self-help so you can do the name change on your own without hiring a lawyer. Each state has their own procedure so it’s important to go to your local county clerks office to gather this information.

How much does it cost to change your name?

As it varies by state, changing you name typically costs under a few hundred dollars. It’s after you change your name that the fees add up with things like a new drivers license, social security card and passport. All of which will cost money to replace. Again, states charge different fees to replace IDs and documents.

What is the most important document to change your name on?

If the judge approves your application, a decree will be signed which is the most important document because it allows you to change your name on all the most sensitive documents including your passport, driver’s license, birth certificate and social security card.

How to change name on passport?

To change your name on a US Passport an applicant will need to do the following: If applying less than 1 year after your previous passport was issued you will need to gather the following: Complete Form DS-5504 either Online or in Adobe PDF. Your Current Passport.

Why do people change their last name?

People change their name for a variety of reasons. By far the most common reason people change their name (last name) is due to marriage or divorce. Other reasons include: Entertainment Stage Name. Gender Change. State Witness Program. Troubled History. Dislike of Birth Name. Restoring a Former Name.

Is it hard to change your name in Family Fallout?

Family Fallout. The process of changing your name is not difficult however it requires a tedious effort to do so. There are many steps, which can be slow at times, that are required to successfully change your name.

3 attorney answers

I agree with the other two responses. A Petition for Name Change and an Order for Name Change need to be filed. Depending on what county you file it in a court appearance may not be necessary.

Michael Kerr Walker

I agree with the advice given by Mr. Standbrook. As a general rule name changes are a pretty straightforward matter so long as it is not being done for some fraudulent purpose.

Lloyd A. Pont

Although a lawyer can ensure you negotiate your way through an often complicated legal process, a request to change one's name should not be too difficult. Both the probate and chancery courts in Davidson County handle name changes.

How to change your lawyer?

Here is what you need to know if you want to change your lawyer: 1 If you are not happy with your lawyer for whatever reason, you can terminate his or her services without notice. 2 You do not have to pay your new lawyer another fee. All lawyers who work on your case, if they are entitled to a fee, will share one fee between them. For example, if your case settled for $9,000.00 and there were no expenses and there is a one-third fee all attorneys will come to an understanding (or a court will decide) how much each lawyer will get. 3 You do not have to fire your lawyer. You never have to talk to him or her again. Your new lawyer will send your old lawyer a letter and they will (hopefully) work it out. 4 There should not be any delay with your case when you change lawyers. If both lawyers are civil and handle this properly, your old lawyer should sent the file to the new lawyer.

Can I change my lawyer without notice?

Here is what you need to know if you want to change your lawyer: If you are not happy with your lawyer for whatever reason, you can terminate his or her services without notice. You do not have to pay your new lawyer another fee. All lawyers who work on your case, if they are entitled to a fee, will share one fee between them.

How to choose a lawyer?

Choosing a lawyer is a crucial step in the resolution of your legal matter. Whether you are a plaintiff or a defendant, or merely a party looking for counsel, the right lawyer is key. But like all relationships, the lawyer-client relationship does not always last forever. Common problems that clients report with attorneys include: 1 Poor results. The lawyer is simply not achieving the results you were led to believe he or she could achieve. 2 Bad communication. The lawyer is not communicating about crucial legal matters and decisions, leaving you uncertain of where your matter is or what's expected of you. 3 Lack of professionalism. The lawyer perhaps arrives late to meetings, doesn't remember key facts about the case, cannot find documents already provided by the client, and even forgets to submit documents by key deadlines.

Why is it important to choose a lawyer?

Choosing a lawyer is a crucial step in the resolution of your legal matter. Whether you are a plaintiff or a defendant, or merely a party looking for counsel, the right lawyer is key. But like all relationships, the lawyer-client relationship does not always last forever.

Why do judges get annoyed with lawyer shopping?

Judges in particular might become annoyed at a client who is "lawyer shopping," because this delays the matter and clogs their dockets. It also suggests that you are a difficult client, or that your claims are not meritorious.

What are the bad things about lawyers?

Bad communication. The lawyer is not communicating about crucial legal matters and decisions, leaving you uncertain of where your matter is or what's expected of you. Lack of professionalism.

Does a lawyer-client relationship last forever?

. . . like all relationships, the lawyer-client relationship does not always last forever.

Is a lawyer responsible for your own legal affairs?

One important thing to realize is that, even though you hired the services of a professional, you are still ultimately responsible for your own legal affairs, and for what your lawyer says and does on your behalf. If you believe there is a problem with the service you are receiving, it may be vital to your interests to do something about it.