what type of lawyer do i need for a name change

Full Answer

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 do you change a legal name?

“The next step is to file the notice and other documents needed for the name change with appropriate department; in some states this is a Clerk of Court, in other states, it requires an actual court file to be opened and a Judge to sign the name change order.”

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.

Who reviews name change petitions?

Why do people change their names?

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

About this website

How long does it take for your name to change?

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 for someone to change their 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.

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.

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.

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 my child's last name on birth certificate?

In order to apply for a change of name, an application form needs to be completed and posted to the register office where the entry is held. The birth certificates with the old name need to be given to the register office along with an application form and the relevant fee for a new certificate.

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 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...

Can I change my child's surname without the father permission?

If they consent to the change of forename or surname, the consent must be provided in writing so that the necessary documentation can be drafted. However, if the other parent does not consent to the name change, you would need to apply to the Court for permission to change your child's name.

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.

Do you need a good 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.

What is it called when you change your name?

Name change generally refers to the legal act by a person of adopting a new name different from their current name.

How to Legally Change Your Name Without a Lawyer | Legal Beagle

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 or has a negative connotation. By ...

Name Change Attorneys - Locate Top Lawyers - US Legal, Inc.

Name Change Overview and Information. The need for a legal name change may result from marriage, divorce, adoption or simply a desire to have another name.

How to Legally Change Your Name: Full Guide - US Birth Certificates

Looking to change your name? Read our step by step guide, learn what supporting evidence is required and the documents that will be updated.

How to Legally Change Your Name - FindLaw

Learn about how to legally change your name after a marriage or divorce in this legal primer. Get more information on this and related topics at FindLaw's Family Law Center.

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.

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.

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 ...

How to change your name in court?

In order to change your name through the court, you must petition the court for a name change. This can be done through a Petition for Change of Name or other documents related to your legal status, such as a divorce decree or adoption petition. You must provide the following:

What documents are needed to change your name?

If you are changing your name outside of divorce, then you may have other documents to prove your name change, such as: Court order. Adoption records.

How to change your name on your Social Security card?

Name Change on Your Social Security Card. In order to get a name change on your Social Security Card, you will have to complete a form SS-5. You must also provide certain documents to the Social Security Administration in order to prove your identity and to establish a reason for changing your name.

Why do people keep their married name?

Some people keep their married name because they’ve had it for so long that friends and even family are most familiar with their married name. Some people want to retain the same name as their children. If you choose to retain your married name, you can remove that section from your divorce paperwork.

Can a father fight a name change?

If the father fights this name change, it can be particularly difficult. It’s often best to work with a name change lawyer who can help you prove that a name change would be best for your children.

Can you change your name if you are divorced?

Change of name for a divorced spouse or child of a former relationship. The court will grant you a name change if you are an adult and have no felony charges or if you are seeking the change for a child of a former relationship.

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 do people change their names?

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.

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.