lawyer how to change your name

What kind of lawyer handles name changes?

Consulting with a lawyer regarding any significant legal matter such as a name change is always advisable. Because of the complexity of some name change documents, it may be advantageous to consult an attorney to explain the full effects of the name change. A lawyer can also help you through the legal process of changing a name.

Do you need a lawyer to change your name?

The very first step in the process of changing your name starts by going to your local county clerks office. 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.

How to legally change your name without a lawyer?

You must include the following information in the Petition for Change of Name:

• Your current name
• Your county of residence
• A description including height, weight, hair and eye color, race, sex, and place and date of birth
• Place of residence (s) for the past five years
• Reason for request
• A legal description of all real estate in Iowa owned or in which you have any legal interest
• The new name you are requesting to take

How to do a legal name change?

On the Facebook website

1. First log into Facebook.
2. Click "account" in the menu on the right-hand-side of the screen to access a drop-down menu.
3. Select "settings and Privacy" from this menu to bring up a new one.
4. Select "settings".
5. Click on "name" to bring up three edit fields, one for each of your names: first, middle, and surname. ...

More items...

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.

What do I put for reason for name change?

Dislike Current Name.Changing Name Following Divorce.Husband Taking Wife's Name Upon Marriage.Changing Child's Surname to Mother's or Father's.Couples Combining or Hyphenating Surnames to Form a New One.Desire for a Less or More "Ethnic" Name.Transgender Name Changes.Religious Reasons.More items...•

How much is it 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.

Can I change my legal name just because?

Note: In California, you generally have the legal right to change your name simply by using a new name in all aspects of your life, also known as the "usage method." BUT, with few exceptions, government agencies require a court order as official proof of a name change so getting a court order is the best way to make ...

Can I change my 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 I need a good reason to change my 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.

How long does a name change take?

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 does changing your name affect you?

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 happens when I change my name?

That court issued name change order will serve as evidence to prove that your name has been legally changed. When you change your name on your social security card, passport, driver's license, and other important places, you'll need this court order.

Can I change my name because I don't like it?

Typically, you may legally change your name to whatever name you'd like, although state marriage laws may also provide some additional legal guidance. There are some exceptions though. For example, you can't: Change your name to escape debt liability or hide from criminal liability.

What to do when you hate your name?

7 Things You Can do if You Hate Your Name ...Consider Why You Hate It.Shorten It.Use Your Middle Name or Nickname.Go for a Variation.Look for an Inspirational Namesake.Change the Spelling.Choose a New Name.

Can you legally only have one name?

Single names There is no law preventing you from being known by a single name, or mononym — that is, a first name only, with no surname — and HM Passport Office should accept such a name, although they may be more sceptical of your application.

Who reviews name change petitions?

Once that is done, a judge or magistrate will review the information on the forms and determine whether to grant or deny the name change request. In most cases, the judge will grant the petition.

Why is my name change denied?

Another reason a name change petition will be denied is if the person is infringing on another individual’s rights. For instance, if the person wants to change their name to someone else’s with the intent to assume that person’s identity and to collect on their benefits, then not only will their request be struck down because it is illegal, but they can be charged criminally for it as well.

Who is Jaclyn from LegalMatch?

Prior to joining LegalMatch, Jaclyn was a paralegal and freelance writer. After several years of working for both criminal defense and entertainment law firms, she enrolled in law school. While in law school, her law journal note was selected for first-round publishing, and can be found on various legal research databases. Jaclyn holds a J.D. from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, specializing in both intellectual property law and data law; and a B.A. from Fordham University, majoring in both Journalism and the Classics (Latin). You can learn more about Jaclyn here.

Why do people spell their names?

Various other personal reasons, such as religion, politics, or to make it easier to pronounce or to spell a particular name.

Can you change your name in witness protection?

In addition, while it is not the most common situation, a person may also have their name changed if they enter a witness protection program. However, the name they receive will generally be chosen by the law enforcement agency in charge of their placement in such a program.

Can an adult change their name?

There is a legal process available that makes it possible for an adult to have their name changed. Aside from the obvious reason that an individual does not like their given name, there are many events throughout one’s life that may prompt them to change their name.

Can you be charged for changing your name to someone else's name?

For instance, if the person wants to change their name to someone else’s with the intent to assume that person’s identity and to collect on their benefits, then not only will their request be struck down because it is illegal, but they can be charged criminally for it as well.

How to change your name legally?

If you want to change your name for reasons other than those related to marriage or divorce, the legal name change process usually involves first filing a petition with the court. You may also have to attend a hearing and show cause for your name change request. If your petition is granted, the court will enter a decree with your new name.

What does it mean to change your name with fraudulent intent?

Changing your name with fraudulent intent, such as to avoid creditors or arrest

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 document is used to change your name?

Original Name Change Document – Such as a Marriage License, Divorce Decree, or Certificate signed by the Judge.

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.

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.

How long does it take to change your name?

At a minimum, it will take about 6 weeks from start to finish. Depending on the state, the process to change your name could take anywhere from 6 months to 12 months. For example, in Florida it’s required that you must have your fingerprints submitted to the Department of Law Enforcement for a criminal records check and you cannot request a petition to change your name until the court receives the results. It’s these types of requirements that can slow down the process to change your name.

How to change name on Social Security card?

To change your name on a Social Security Card you will need to visit a Local SSA Office by entering your zip code. After you have found the office you can either visit during operating hours or call and make an appointment.

What to know before changing your name?

There are some key things to know before changing your name, ranging from the paperwork this will involve to the time you will need to invest in order to complete the task across all government institutions. Changing your name starts with the desire to do so and is not fully complete until it is reflected accordingly in all of your documents.

How to change your name after marriage?

A legal name change after marriage can be accomplished without court involvement, just by filing the necessary forms. You will need to present your marriage certificate in multiple government institutions, so make sure to have multiple certified copies.

What happens after an adoption is approved?

After the adoption application is approved by the judge and the process is finalized, the state will issue a new birth certificate. The new amended birth certificate will be issued replacing the biological parents’ names with the names of the adoptive parents.

Why do people change their names?

In other cases, an individual may choose to do so simply because they dislike their given name.

What evidence is needed to prove your legal name?

Supporting evidence to prove your current legal name, such as your Social Security card, current valid birth certificate, and driver's license or other form of valid photo identification.

When can you unseal a birth certificate?

Many states seal the original birth certificate but then grant the adoptee access once they turn 18, while others require a court petition in order to unseal the original document.

How long does it take to get your name changed on your passport?

Your credit history is tied to your old name, so make sure to inquire about how to preserve your good credit. It may take weeks to get your name changed on your passport, so if you are traveling abroad, for your honeymoon, for instance, plan accordingly.

How to change your name in court?

If you have a criminal record, the judge presumes you want to change your name because of fraud, such as trying to escape your criminal history. You have to overcome that presumption by explaining why you want to change your name. If the judge grants your name change, the order will be sent to the state police, and maybe: 1 The department of corrections if you are now in prison, on parole, or you were in prison during the last two years, 2 The sheriff of the county where you were last convicted, if you were in a county jail anytime during the last two years, or 3 A court that has jurisdiction over you. A court has jurisdiction over you if you were the Plaintiff (or Petitioner) or Defendant (or Respondent) in a case in that court

Why do you change your name if you have a criminal record?

If you have a criminal record, the judge presumes you want to change your name because of fraud, such as trying to escape your criminal history. You have to overcome that presumption by explaining why you want to change your name.

What to do if you don't know your noncustodial parent's address?

If you do not know your noncustodial parent’s address or your noncustodial parent is missing, you must include their name in the Notice of Hearing to be published. The notice must also say that “The result of the hearing may be to bar or affect the interest of [your noncustodial parent’s name] in the matter.”.

What to do after local newspaper publishes name change notice?

After the local newspaper publishes your name change notice, submit a copy of the published notice and Affidavit of Publication to the court. The newspaper must complete the Affidavit of Publication, not you. The Affidavit of Publication must list the qualifications of the newspaper and the date or dates the notice was published.

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

If you are a minor who is at least 14 years old, you can ask the judge to change your name, but both your parents must agree to it. If your noncustodial parent objects to the name change, the judge may still approve it if that parent:

How long does it take to change your name?

You can use the Do-It-Yourself Name Change tool to complete your petition. The process to change your name typically takes between four and six months. The processing time varies depending on if you need to have a criminal background check or not.

How to find a bankruptcy lawyer in Michigan?

Go to the State Bar of Michigan Lawyer Search page. Enter the type of lawyer you need (divorce, bankruptcy, etc.) and your city or county, and click "Search." On the search results page, click on the "Pricing" box at the top and select “Limited Scope;” or

How to change your name on a marriage license?

Before you can change your name, you'll need the original (or certified) marriage license with the raised seal. Call the clerk's office where your license was filed to get copies if one wasn't automatically sent to you. 2.

How to change your name at a bank?

The fastest way to change your name at your bank is to go into a branch location, bringing your new driver's license and your marriage certificate. You should request new checks and debit and credit cards on top of changing the name attached to your accounts.

What chapter of the Texas Family Code outlines the procedure for legal name changes?

Chapter 45 of the Texas Family Code outlines the procedure for legal name changes. See the Understanding the Law box below for resources that help explain the law.

Can you change your name without a court order?

Though most name changes require a court order, certain instances (e.g., typographical or spelling errors) allow a person to a mend a birth certificate through the Texas Vital Statistics office without a court order.

Can you change your name in Texas?

Apart from Texas Vital Statistics — which amends birth certificates in cases of typographical errors — there is no state agency that handles a request for a name change. A legal name change requires petitioning the courts for a court order.