Changing
the name that your parents had thought fit for you years ago can be
an uphill task at times. True that it may sound easy now, but once
you take the decision to adopt a new identity, you will gradually
realize that the process is pretty lengthy with several
complications. But that does not mean that you cannot take on a new
name if you wish to, whatever the reason(s) might be. With a change
in name, you will realize that there are certain important things
that you need to change now as well. Read on for what takes place
when you decide to legally change your name after marriage, or
divorce.
Precaution
is better than Cure
To
begin with, you will have to change the name on your bank account,
passport, driver’s license, voter’s registration, legal will,
social security card and title deeds – anything that includes any
contract carrying your old name. Before proceeding further, you are
thus advised to do your little bit of research regarding the possible
problems that may arise in future.
In
order to legally change your name, you will have to fill in different
forms in court. You will easily get these forms from State government
websites. These forms usually ask straightforward questions where you
will have to provide a reason behind changing your name. You will be
asked to promise that you will not use your new name to commit any
criminal offence or escape debt. These same forms are also used to
change back names after divorce.
The
forms used for this purpose commonly include an order to show cause
for the change in name, a petition to change your name legally and
also a decree to the same effect. Fill the requirements and carry the
form along with the necessary filing fees to the clerk at the court
and file it. Usually, a magistrate or a judge will grant your name
change after reviewing the case. Sometimes a more formal
advertisement of your new name is required by the State, which is
fulfilled by posting a notice in the local newspaper. In case you
desire to legally change your name after marriage, posting an
engagement announcement in the papers is considered a sufficient
formal advertisement.
Post-marriage
Name Change
Marriage
is one of the events that often lead to a change in name - mostly for
women and sometimes for the men too. In case of a divorce, you can
choose to legally change back to your maiden name if you so desire.
However, a marriage license that has your new last name does not mean
that you have changed your name officially. This is just the
beginning of the process. Endless queues at the motor vehicle bureau
and the social security office are eagerly waiting for you! Keep your
original marriage license and copies of the same handy before you
stand in these lines to get your name changed, legally.
Do
you wish to apply for name change after a divorce? The procedure is
mostly the same, with a few tweaks in between.
