what kind of lawyer do i need to change last name change

by Mr. Trevion Schumm IV 7 min read

An experienced family law attorney can review the local laws and procedures relating to name changes, and can ensure that you notify all of the proper government agencies. They also can look over any of your petition documents before you file them with the court.Jun 5, 2020

Do you need a lawyer to change your name?

An experienced family law attorney can review the local laws and procedures relating to name changes, and can ensure that you notify all of the proper government agencies. They also can look over any of your petition documents before you file them with the court.

How to legally change your name without a lawyer?

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. Ken LaMance Senior Editor Original Author Ken joined LegalMatch in January 2002.

How do you change a legal name?

Mar 26, 2011 · Any solo or general practitioner (lawyer) should be able to assist in drafting the appropriate legal documents. Start with someone you know and get a suggestion on a good lawyer in the area and then head to your meeting with them prepared with all needed information and documents to save time and money. 1 found this answer helpful | 0 lawyers agree

What kind of lawyer handles name changes?

Jan 05, 2019 · You do this by submitting Form SS-5, your marriage certificate, and proof of your identity and citizenship. You can then proceed to change your name on your driver’s license, passport, and other state and federal documents. Note, each state is different. Some have specific provisions for anyone other than a woman to take a husband’s last name.

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How difficult is it to 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. It's changing all your documents that is the hard part which includes your identification card, social security card, birth certificate and credit cards.Dec 31, 2021

How much does it cost to change your name in CA?

When you file your name change forms, you'll have to pay the California state filing fee. The California name change cost is $435. You might also have to pay a small surcharge depending on what county you're in. If you can't afford the filing fee, you may be able to apply for a waiver.May 26, 2020

How hard is it to change your name in CA?

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 ...

Do I need a lawyer to change my name?

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.

How do I change my last name without getting married in California?

Adult Name Change (No Marriage or Divorce) An adult in California may change their name by filing a Petition for Change of Name with the superior court. After filing the petition, the court will schedule a hearing date somewhere between six (6) and twelve (12) weeks away.Dec 2, 2021

Where do I go to change my last name in California?

If you recently married in California, you can usually easily change your name by contacting your local DMV office and the social security office. You may only need to show your marriage license to change your name. In some cases, they may ask for a court order. See, Change an Adult Name for more information.

How do I fill out a name change in California?

3:1727:40Name Change Workshop - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe attachment to petition for change of name form NC 1 1 0. The order to show cause for change ofMoreThe attachment to petition for change of name form NC 1 1 0. The order to show cause for change of name form NC 1 2 0. And the decree changing name form mc-130.

How quickly can you change your 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 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.

John Roache Cook IV

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.

Franz Nicholas Borghardt

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.

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 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.

How old do you have to be to get married in Florida?

In Florida, not only do you not need to be a resident to get married, you do not need to be a citizen of the United States. Age Requirement – 18 years of age.

How much does a marriage ceremony cost?

A Marriage Ceremony is inexpensive when done by the state. Most states charge between $25-$60 dollars when performed by a Marriage Officiant. A Marriage Ceremony must be done within 30 days to 90 days, depending on the state, from the marriage license date of issuance.

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.

Is it hard 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.

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.

Can you change your name?

You can generally change your name to anything but most states have exceptions and don’t allow name changes if you’re: Trying to hide from a crime or to escape debt liability creditors. Creating a new name to commit a crime.

How to change your last name through a court order

If you do need a court-ordered name change, you can hire a lawyer to help, but the procedure is quite simple and you can do it yourself by taking the following steps:

How much does it cost to change your name?

Changing your name legally often requires a filing fee. The amount of the fee varies from one state to another, usually somewhere between $50 to $100.

What do you do after you change your name?

Once you've taken care of the legalities, you can start using the name you've taken or chosen. However, you'll need to notify any authorities of the name change. In most cases, a written letter will be sufficient to get your name of record changed.

Where to update driver's license?

Take the order to your local Drivers License office and Social Security office to update your legal information. Additionally, send copies of the order to your creditors and other business contacts to update your new name in their records.

Where is Lynndee Marooney?

Living in Denver, Lynndee Marooney has been writing finance and credit-related articles, guides, manuals and e-books for private companies since 1995. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism and a Bachelor of Science in finance from the University of Maryland.

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 you change your name for a fraudulent purpose?

There are only a few restrictions: Don't change your name for a fraudulent purpose. Don't take a famous person's name. Stay away from names that are overtly offensive. Copyrighted or trademarked names are also off limits—so sorry, you can't be harry potter.

Can I change my name without a lawyer?

1. 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.

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Step 1 – Clerk of Court

  • 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. Each state has their own procedure so it’s important to go to y…
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Step 2 – File A Petition For A Change of Name

  • A Petition for a Change of Name formmust be completed. It’s the primary document used in order to submit your name change request. This document can be mailed or submitted online depending on your state. Once the form and other documents are completed, go to your local county clerks office to have them reviewed. This can save a lot of time and trouble if you made …
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Step 3 – Set A Court Date

  • Once the petition is filed with the county clerk, they will issue you a court date which will allow you to present the reason(s) for changing your name. Typically the court will issue the court date in 4-6 weeks from submitting your petition. It may seem like a long wait for a rather simple court hearing. However in most cases, there will be actions that you must complete before the court h…
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Step 4 – Publishing Your New Name

  • One very common thing that most states require is the requirement to make a publication in your local newspaper of the new name change. It’s always a good idea to call your local newspaper and ask the cost of publication. Making certain that you have enough money to cover the court filing fees and newspaper publication costs is imperative. If required, your state will give you the …
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Step 5 – Sign Decree at Court Hearing

  • Bring all documents to your court hearing. Arrive early and do not be late. It’s your responsibility to find the correct court room if you do not have an attorney helping you through the process. 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 …
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Step 1 – Apply For A Marriage License

  • Go to or contact the local county recorder’s officein the county you plan to do the marriage ceremony and/or apply for the marriage license. A marriage license must be issued before a marriage ceremony takes place. The county recorder’s office is the only place you can apply for a marriage certificate. After applying for a marriage certificate, the County Clerk will then issue yo…
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Step 2 – Setup A Marriage Ceremony

  • A Marriage Ceremony is inexpensive when done by the state. Most states charge between $25-$60 dollars when performed by a Marriage Officiant. A Marriage Ceremony must be done within 30 days to 90 days, depending on the state, from the marriage license date of issuance. Where?– When a marriage ceremony is done by the state, it’s typically performed in the county clerk’s offi…
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Step 3 – Request Certified Copy

  • Request a certified copy of your original marriage license. It comes at a fee but it’s a must have if you wish to change your name on sensitive documents such as IDs and bank cards.
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