what type of lawyer handles name changes

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.

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 are the two types of lawyers called?

A: When talking about two main types of lawyers, we're actually referring to criminal law professionals. These are prosecutors and defense attorneys. While prosecutors represent the state, defense attorneys represent people accused by the state.

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.

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

In New Jersey, there is a $2.00 fee to process the legal name change. There is also a $25.00 fee if you want to receive a corrected birth certificate, marriage license, civil union or domestic partnership record. Checks or money orders should be made payable to the Treasurer, State of New Jersey.

What are the 4 types of lawyers?

Bankruptcy Lawyer. Bankruptcy lawyers are experts in the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, and handle insolvency issues for individuals or corporations. ... Business Lawyer (Corporate Lawyer) ... Constitutional Lawyer. ... Criminal Defense Lawyer. ... Employment and Labor Lawyer. ... 6. Entertainment Lawyer. ... Estate Planning Lawyer. ... Family Lawyer.More items...

What's the difference between attorney and lawyer?

Attorney vs Lawyer: Comparing Definitions Lawyers are people who have gone to law school and often may have taken and passed the bar exam. Attorney has French origins, and stems from a word meaning to act on the behalf of others. The term attorney is an abbreviated form of the formal title 'attorney at law'.

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.

Do I need a new passport if I change my name?

Answer: American citizens are required to travel with a passport that has their current legal name. If your name changed due to marriage then you need to apply for a passport name change before you travel. If your passport was issued less than a year ago, there is no fee.

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.

Who do I need to notify of my name change?

The police: If you have a criminal record the police will also need to be notified of your new name. Insurance providers, utility companies, local councils and the electoral roll should also be notified of any change.

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.

Can I legally change my last name?

Changing a surname. As with your first name, there is nothing in the law stopping you from changing your surname at any time, so long as you don't have any fraudulent (or other criminal) intent. You can assume any surname you please in addition to, or substitution for, your existing surname.

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.

What is legal name change?

What is a Legal Name Change? A legal name change allows you to officially use a new name that is different from the name that you were born with. Every U.S. citizen has a constitutional right under the Fourteenth Amendment to change their name through the legal name change process.

What to do if your name is changed?

After you have legally changed your name, make sure you notify the following governmental agencies and organizations of your legal name change: 1 Social Security Administration; 2 Department of Motor Vehicles; 3 The IRS and state tax department; 4 The United States Post Office; 5 Creditors and debtors (including utility companies, mortgage companies, and cell phone providers); 6 Banks and loan holders; 7 Car, health, and life insurance companies; 8 Employers and schools; 9 Emergency contacts; and 10 Doctors offices.

How to file a petition for a new name?

File your petition with your local civil court (the specific court where you file your petition depends on where you live); Pay your petition filing fees with the court; Attend your court hearing to see if your petition has been approved by the judge; and. Notify creditors and government al agencies of your new legal name. ...

What are some examples of inappropriate names?

Examples of inappropriate names may include names that: Interfere with the rights of others; May cause confusion (such as choosing the same name as a well-known celebrity or politician); Contain profanity, slurs, racial, sexist, homophobic or anti-religious language, numbers, symbols or violent language; and.

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

Typically, the procedure to legally change your name requires that you: Be at least 18 years old (in some situations a court may change a child’s name); Meet your state’s residency requirements; Choose an appropriate name (taking on your spouse’s last name, restoring your maiden name, or a selecting a new name); ...

When is a name change granted?

A legal name change may also be granted by the court if a person does not like or no longer identifies with their birth name.

Can I get a new driver's license if my name is changed?

If the court finds that a person has the intent to commit fraud or harm by concealing their birth identity, or has chosen an inappropriate name, their petition may be denied. After the court approves your legal name change petition, you can apply for a new driver’s license and social security card.

What does the court consider when changing a child's name?

Basically, the court will examine a number of factors and determine whether the decision to change their name would be in the best interest of the child. For example, if a parent gets remarried and they want the child to take the step-parent’s last name, the court will consider the impact this may have on the child’s well-being.

What happens if you change your name?

Avoiding the legal name change process can result in criminal charges, such as fraud, identity theft, and tax evasion.

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

An individual must be at least 18 years old to legally change their name. Additionally, if only one parent is involved in the decision to change the child’s name, they must notify the other parent. This is true regardless of whether or not the other parent is part of the child’s life.

Why do adults change their children's names?

Another reason that an adult may want to change the name of a child is if the child is a victim of a crime, such as stalking or domestic violence . Changing their name can help to protect their identity and may prevent the criminal offender from finding them again in the future.

Why do people change their names?

The main reason that the legal name change process exists is so that a person may preserve their constitutional right to change their name, while at the same time doing it in a manner that is recognized by the law. If a person changes their name in a way that is considered illegal or unofficial, they could face serious legal consequences.

Can I change my name at a child custody hearing?

In addition, a person may also request the name change during a related legal proceeding, such as an adoption or a child custody hearing.

Do I need to pay a fee to my local newspaper to change my name?

They also will need to pay a fee to their local newspaper in order to publish notice of the child’s name change (unless special circumstances apply, e.g., if the child is a victim of a crime). In cases where only one of the parent’s is aware of the name change, they will need written consent from the non-custodial parent.

What can a corporate lawyer do for you?

A corporate lawyer will be able to help you with issues related to the formation of your corporation, general corporate governance issues and corporate compliance issues.

What is a disability attorney?

The Social Security Disability system can be a particularly complex system in which to navigate. An attorney who specializes in Social Security Disability issues can help you with any step in the Social Security Disability process, including assisting you with eligibility issues, launching an appeal of a decision to deny you benefits and dealing with the reduction or termination of your benefits.

What is an estate planning lawyer?

The estate planning lawyer specializes in wills and trusts, and can help you to draw up a will to pass on your assets. Among other estate planning legal services, this type of lawyer can help you set up a trust which will help take care of your children’s financial needs.

What is a worker's compensation lawyer?

If you’ve been injured while on the job, or have had to face the death of a loved one as a result of a workplace accident or occupational disease, a lawyer who specializes in workers compensation law can help you navigate the issues you face, such as the extent of the employer’s fault and the amount of benefits to which you are entitled.

What is an IP lawyer?

Also known as an IP attorney, an intellectual property lawyer can advise you with regard to issues relating to intellectual property, such as copyrights, trademarks, patents, industrial design and trade secrets.

What is an employment lawyer?

Employment Lawyer. Whether you’re a company that’s having a problem with an employee, or an individual who’s having problems with the company you work for, an employment lawyer can generally provide advice about legal issues which arise from an employment contract or within an employment relationship.

Do lawyers specialize in a particular area of law?

The legal field is vast and complex, and you’ll find that many lawyers specialize in a particular area of law. If you find yourself in need of a lawyer, make sure they have the expertise to handle your unique situation. Because there are so many different types of lawyers, you'll want to match your legal concern with the appropriate attorney.

Lawyer vs. attorney - what is the difference?

These two terms are often used interchangeably, but there is a difference between lawyers and attorneys. Although both have a law degree, lawyers and attorneys don’t do the same jobs.

What types of lawyers are there?

There are plenty of job opportunities for lawyers, but after finishing law school, it can be hard to decide what type of law practice you want to pursue. There are numerous career paths that you can choose based on your plans, ambitions, and perhaps most importantly, your interests.

26 Different types of lawyers

Business lawyers or corporate lawyers ensure that all operations of an individual company are conducted within the legal framework of local, state, and federal laws. A business lawyer is involved in everything from liability and intellectual property disputes to mergers and revising all sorts of legal documentation.

Who can consult with constitutional lawyers?

People with advocacies can consult constitutional lawyers if they think their rights have been violated. For instance, non-profit organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) employ constitutional lawyers to protect minorities involved in a legal process.

What do lawyers do?

Different types of lawyers specialize in different areas of law. Some lawyers mostly do the work outside of the courtroom, such as drafting contracts and wills, preparing documents to comply with a process, negotiating deals, and advising clients on a legal problem. There are also lawyers who present cases in court or litigations ...

What is a family lawyer?

Family Lawyers. These are lawyers who handle all kinds of domestic cases, such as divorce, legal separation, child custody, adoption, paternity, alimony, prenuptial or postnuptial agreements, and emancipation. But family attorneys may also handle reproductive rights cases, and their work may intersect with other areas of the law.

Why do we need malpractice lawyers?

Since these are professions that ascribe to a set of standards , they have greater professional responsibilities that may be challenged in the courtroom or in litigation.

What is a real estate lawyer?

Real estate lawyers provide legal guidance for individuals or companies seeking to buy or sell a property. They work with their clients and the real estate agents to draft documents and ensure that the paperwork is legally binding. They may also negotiate for the buyer or seller, or represent a property owner during a foreclosure dispute.

What kind of lawyer handles reproductive rights?

But family attorneys may also handle reproductive rights cases, and their work may intersect with other areas of the law. For instance, if there’s a criminal investigation of child abuse or a domestic violence case, or if there’s a juvenile delinquency case, a family lawyer may also work with a criminal lawyer. 3. Estate Planning Lawyers.

What do IP lawyers need to know?

They need to have expert knowledge in both business and innovation trends. IP lawyers may also negotiate settlements on behalf of the creator or inventor if someone has infringed on their work, such as in cases where branded goods are faked and sold for a lower price in the market.