Everyone has a right to change his or her name as long as the reason is not malicious. You may change to acquire a more pleasant sounding one, after marriage, after getting a divorce, etc. However, there are instances when you cannot be allowed to legally change your name.
- To avoid paying debts
- To commit fraud
- To avoid civil obligations like taxes
Decide on the Name
When you want to legally change your name, you must present a new one to the registration office. It could be a combination of your names if you are changing to accommodate your spouse. You may also take the name of your spouse in full. Merging two names is also allowed. However, there are restrictions on the names you cannot choose.
A name that connotes a racial slur, is abusive or incites violence cannot be accepted.
A name of a celebrity or prominent personality can only be adopted with a very high threshold to avoid confusion.
The name cannot involve numbers like 6 or 9, or punctuation marks like % or *.
To avoid confusion or having to repeat the process, you must get the spelling of your name right.
Fill Relevant Forms
The reason for name change determines the form you will fill and the requirements to submit. For instance, if you are changing after a divorce, successful petition documents or a decree will be used to initiate the process. If it is after marriage, you marriage license or a certified copy of the certificate will be required. A different form is required when correcting the name on the birth certificate. When changing for your children, you will submit different details and sign a different form.
Get the Documents Required
To change your name, you will be required to prove identity. Each state has a different approach when proving identity. The most common documents and forms you will be required to fill are;
- A Petition to Change Name form
- An order indicate the reason
- Your Social Security Card
- A Photo ID
- A Birth Certificate
File the Petition in the Correct Court
With all the documents required and having filled all the necessary forms, it is time to present your petition to the right court. The clerk will inspect your documents and tell you whether they meet the required criteria or not. The procedure still differs from one state to the other. Here are three examples of differing procedures from one state to the other.
- Texas, and many other states, requires you to present a written application that is notarized. This means that you have to sign in front of a notary.
- California, and a number of others, require the original petition, fully signed, with two other copies.
- In several other states you have to publish the intended name in the local newspaper for several weeks before it can be approved. It this happens in your state, it will affect the speed at which your desired name change can be approved.
There is no state that offers name change for free. The standard amount you should expect to pay is between $150 and $200. The fee may go up or down depending on state. California for instance requires an average of $435. There are instances where the name change can be waived. Once you have cleared the issue of fees, you will get a hearing date.
Attend Hearing Date
The hearings are usually short and routine. Carry all your original documents whose copies are filed in court. The information given must be confirmed under oath. Once the judge approves the change, you will get a decree.
You legally change your name once you receive the decree. It is time to change the name in all other official documents. Inform your bank, insurance, utility providers, lawyer, etc to avoid discrepancies. You can now officially use the new name.
Source: https://hitchswitcusa.tumblr.com/post/158963738242/step-by-step-procedure-on-how-to-legally-change
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