what type of lawyer to use for 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.

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 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.

Where do you go to change your name?

You can change your name by following your state's name change guidelines. While each state's policy varies, the first step is to file a formal petition for a name change with your local court. You can ask the court if it supplies the forms. Otherwise, you may need to check online or consult with an attorney.

What are the documents required for changing the name?

Documents Required For Name Change An affidavit duly signed by the applicant and attested by Judicial Magistrate/Notary. Original newspaper in which name change ad is given. Prescribed proforma (must be computer typed and not handwritten) with signatures of applicant and two witnesses.

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 long does it take to change your name?

Changing your name cannot be done overnight, it requires systematic planning and involves a host of complicated pre and post-gazette publication compliance. While it might take approximately 4-8 weeks to get your name changed published in the gazette.

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 you need a reason to change your name?

You don't need to have any kind of valid reason to change your name, so long as it is not for any fraudulent purpose, such as avoiding paying a debt or fulfilling an obligation — you are free to change your name at any time.

Does changing your name affect anything?

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.

How do I change my name on all certificates?

The procedure to change the name in a school or college leaving certificate is more or less similar to the procedure of legally changing your name....The process involves 5 major steps:Affidavit Submission.Ad in Newspaper.Gazette Notification.Verification.Approval.

How do you change a name on a birth certificate?

Fee chargeable is Rs. 50.00.A certified copy of the birth register to be amended should be essentially attached to the declaration.Following are some written evidences which may be produced to substantiate the request made in the declaration, Parents' marriage certificate. List of children/ brothers and sisters.

How can I write an application letter for name change?

Dear Sir/Madam, With due respect it is to be stated that my name has been changed from “(Current Name)” to “(Expected Name)”. I request you to change my name on all the officials of school/college. I also request you to change the name on all the school/college records so that it didn't cause any problem in future.

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.

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.

What to do if your name is not allowed to be changed?

If the court does not allow modification, you will likely need to file a petition for a court-ordered name change. You should always keep proof of your original name (birth certificate) in case you run into any difficulties with using it again. 3. Court-Ordered Name Change.

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 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.

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.

What is asking for a name?

Asking for a name which has the intention of being misleading, typically done by taking the name of someone famous. Choosing a confusing name which may include numbers or symbols. Seeking a name that may be offensive to others (racial slurs, fighting words, viewed as threatening, etc.)

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 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.

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.

Why do you need to make copies of petitions?

Knowledge Tip: The reason for making copies is because you will need to provide a copy of the petition for a change of name form when publishing your new name in the newspaper. Look at Step 4 for more information.

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.

Is it hard to change your name in Family Fallout?

Family Fallout. 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.

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 ...