what type of lawyer helps with name change

Full Answer

Do I need an attorney for a simple name change?

While it is possible to complete the process on your own and though not every state requires you to file a name change petition with the court, you may want to speak to a local family lawyer just in case.

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 long did it take for your legal name change?

Some states require that you reside in the state anywhere from 30 days to 6 months before seeking a name change order. Once you have established residency, the time to obtain a Court Order varies from a few days to a couple of months, depending on your state’s laws and your court’s procedures.

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 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 to change your name in NYS?

It costs $65.00 to change a name and/or sex designation in Civil Court. You can use the Civil Court's free and easy DIY (Do-It-Yourself) Forms to make an Adult Name/Sex Designation Change Petition or a Minor Name/Sex Designation Change Petition.

How much does it cost to change your name in Long Island?

$210.00Long Island Supreme Court filing fees are $210.00 while the fee is $65.00 to file in the New York City Civil Court. This office will prepare and submit the name change petition and order you would like the judge to sign reflecting the change of name.

How much does changing your name cost?

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 long does it take to legally change your name in New York?

Name change actions can take anywhere from a day, to six (6) months (sometimes even longer). The time it takes for such action to be ordered/decreed varies not only from county to county, but sometimes from courthouse to courthouse as well.

How do I legally change my name in NY?

The name change petition can be filed in the County Court or Supreme Court of the county where you live. If you live in New York City, you can file your papers in any New York City Civil Court or the Supreme Court in the county where you live. The Civil Court costs less money than the Supreme Court.

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.

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.

How do you change your name with Social Security?

To change your name on your card, you must show us documents proving your legal name change and identity. You also must show us a document proving your U.S. citizenship, if it is not already in our records. You must present original documents or copies certified by the agency that issued them.

Can I change my child's last name without father's consent in NY?

Many Courts require a child who is 14 years or older, but less than 18, to give his or her permission for the name change. The child must sign the Minor Consent form in front of a Notary and you must give it to the Clerk with your Petition.

Why do people change their names?

The most common reason for a name change is marriage. Many brides still follow the tradition of taking on their husband's last name. But, there are...

Is it expensive to change my name?

No, not usually. Most companies and governmental offices will change your name on their records at no cost. The only exceptions are usually associa...

Do I need to go to court first?

You've probably already fulfilled the legal requirements if you're changing your name due to marriage or divorce. On the other hand, if other circu...

I know I need to change my name on my driver's license and Social Security card. Where else?

The list is long! Bank accounts, investments, professional licenses, reward programs, credit cards, streaming services and vehicle title/registrati...

Why would I use a name change service? Can't I do it myself?

How much time do you want to spend researching the process and requirements for each place you need to change your name? Name change services have...

Are name change services legitimate?

Definitely! Some of these services have been around for two decades or longer. You can always check out a company's listing with the BBB and look a...

How much does it cost to use a name change service?

That depends on the service you select. You can get a basic package to print at home for under $20, or you can select a comprehensive service with...

How long will the process take?

Filling out your information can be done in just a few minutes, especially if you choose a name change service that lets you complete your forms on...

Is there a satisfaction guarantee if I use a name change service?

Sometimes, yes. Name change services are fairly low-risk, but the best ones offer a satisfaction guarantee that will either work with you to fix an...

Do I need a hearing date to change my marriage license?

You've already fulfilled the legal requirements for changing it (a marriage license and finalized wedding), so you don't need to have a hearing date or publish your information to make it official . In that case, you might want to save some cash and go with one of the other highly-rated services in our review.

Is HitchSwitch a good name change service?

Better Choices Elsewhere. At the end of the day, HitchSwitch is a decent option for name change services, especially if you feel comfortable with the process and don't think you'll need much hand-holding from their customer service team.

Can you fill out name change kit?

No matter which one you choose, it's up to you to fill in the forms. Name Change Kit doesn't give you a preview of their documents or what the process looks like - so it's hard to say whether you'll be able to fill out any of the information online before you print them out for yourself (like we said, low-tech here).

Does LegalZoom have a name change guarantee?

You also get LegalZoom's lifetime customer support and 100% satisfaction guarantee: if you're unhappy with their name change service for any reason, they'll work with you to fix the problem at no extra charge - or refund your fees.

Is Find Legal Forms bad?

While there's nothing bad about using Find Legal Form s as your name change service, there isn't much to rave about either. We recommend that you consider the more robust options out there, to make the most of your time and money with a service that has more to offer.

Can I change my name after my wedding?

That's not to say you can't use LegalZoom to change names after your wedding - and if your marriage or your name change go beyond the traditional bride-takes-on-groom's-name situation, you might find that LegalZoom is the most comprehensive, reliable option. Some name change services are very clear that they don't specialize in hyphenating both spouses' last names, same-sex couples, grooms taking on their brides' surnames, and so forth. While LegalZoom will cost a little more, you'll have the added reassurance that everything has been taken care of, double-checked, and is guaranteed to meet all of the legal requirements in your state.

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 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.

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.

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.