Discover the processes required to officially alter your name.
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How Do I Modify My Name?
You may change your name by following the name change requirements in your state. While each state’s laws differs, the first step is to submit a formal petition with your local court for a name change. You may inquire with the court whether the forms are available. Otherwise, you may need to do some research online or speak with an attorney. Fill out the paperwork and turn them in to the court clerk.
Following that, the court may order formal fingerprints and a background check via local law enforcement or the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Following the completion of your fingerprints and background check, several states require you to put up and pay for a formal advertising in a local newspaper or other media. The goal of advertising your name change is to notify your creditors and any other parties who may be interested of your intention to change your name. In most circumstances, the publishing is only a formality that has no bearing on the name change procedure.
Finally, you must appear in front of a court or magistrate for a formal hearing. During the hearing, the judge will ask you why you want to change your name and will ask you to swear under oath that you are not seeking a name change to commit fraud or for any other illegal motive. If the judge is pleased with your evidence, the name change will be granted.
How Do I Go About Changing My Name?
Whether you changed your name on your own, via marriage, or by a court order, the most important aspect of the process is informing people. Use just your new name when starting a new employment, applying for a new credit card, or starting school. With your new name, introduce yourself to new friends and acquaintances.
You’ll also need to contact the following people and businesses that have your old name and contact information:
Government Agencies at the State and Federal levels. One of the first stages in changing your name is to go to your state and other government entities and get your name changed on their records. You may be required to provide documentation of your court order, marriage certificate, or divorce judgment. In most circumstances, the best initial actions you can do are to acquire a new driver’s license and a Social Security card from the Department of Motor Vehicles. It is typically simpler to alter your name with other organizations after you have a picture ID and a Social Security card.
Your relatives and friends. We all know that family gossip spreads quickly, therefore telling your family and friends is one of the greatest methods to accomplish your name change. Everyone else will likely accept your new name once your closest friends and relatives do.
Your Company. You should update your email address, business cards, and any identifying information at work. If this is the case, notify your supervisor or boss, as well as your employer’s human resources and payroll departments.
The following are some of the crucial persons or institutions you should notify:
banks and other financial institutions
friends, family, employers, and schools
Department of Motor Vehicles Doctors’ Post Office
Voter registration (typically with your driver’s license) at Social Security Administration insurance agencies
Utility firms, professional licensing organizations (doctors, attorneys, etc.), public assistance agencies, and credit card or other lending institutions are all examples of businesses.
Whether you changed your name on your own, via marriage, or by a court order, the most important aspect of the process is informing people.
If you’ve worked with an attorney to construct an estate plan (a will or trust), be sure to notify the office of your new name. To avoid future misunderstanding, it’s necessary to update your current papers with new ones that reflect your name change. This guidance should also be followed for any other relevant legal papers, such as legal contracts, powers of attorney, or living wills.
Is it possible to change my name if my marriage is common law?
Only a few states still accept the notion of common law marriage. Because there is no official ceremony in this sort of partnership, couples often search for alternative means to legitimate the relationship. Using the same last name is one of the simplest ways to feel more like a married pair. Unlike in a formal marriage, when partners may easily change their last names, the procedure for common law spouses is a little more difficult.
Although anybody may seek a name change, if you want state or government entities to recognize it, you must follow your state’s procedures. For example, you may change your last name on social media without a court order, but if you want your driver’s license or Social Security card to reflect your new name, you’ll need to submit a motion (request) with the court and establish that you’ve followed all of the legal criteria.
Changing your legal name isn’t difficult, but it might be expensive depending on where you reside. For further information on your state’s regulations, consult with an experienced attorney.
Do I Have to Go to Court to Change My Name After Divorce or Marriage?
You will not need to take any further measures if your divorce judgment or marriage document changes your name. You will need to submit documentation of the name change, although in most circumstances, a copy of your marriage certificate or divorce decision will suffice.
If both couples want to alter their names to a hyphen or a mixture of their spouses’ last names, your state may require you to go through the legal name change procedure.
If your divorce judgment does not include a provision that allows you to change your name back to your maiden name or another name, you may need to return to court and request that the judge amend the court order. If you are unsuccessful, you may be required to go through your state’s legal name change procedure before your name change can take effect.
What Should I Do If I’m Having Trouble Getting My New Name Accepted?
Begin by supplying confirmation of your name change. Most institutions will not dispute the update if you first get a Social Security card. If the organization or individual still does not update your records, you may present documentation of your marriage certificate or divorce decree.
You have the legal right to alter your name, so if you continue to have difficulty getting the agency to comply, request a meeting with a supervisor or contact the central office.
You may acquire a court order establishing your new name as a last resort. Although it is not perfect and may be costly, it would be well worth it. A present court order cannot be challenged by any group.
I dislike my birth name and want to change it. Can I Pick Any Name I Want?
In general, you may change your name to anything you choose, but you must obey your state’s laws and limits. You may not, for example, perform any of the following:
Change your name in order to commit a crime or swindle someone.
Choose a new name that is complicated and contains symbols or numbers (certain courts may enable you to alter your name to a number provided you spell it out) (for example, sixteen, not “16”)
Change your name to avoid debt or liability.
Choose a name with the goal to deceive, which typically implies you can’t modify your name to match someone famous (for example, Angelina Jolie Pitt).
Choose a name that includes a racial slur, or a name that some may find insulting or scary.
You must follow your state’s laws for officially changing your name. Every state has different criteria, so if you’re not sure what actions to do first, you should consult with a competent attorney in your region before proceeding.