A new status or the desire to acquire another name may push you to change it. It is possible to just adapt a name and begin to use it in business or social circles. However, this will present a challenge when you need official documents bearing the name. In other cases, people might consider you as an imposter if they know you by one name yet your documents reveal another. This makes it necessary to go through the process of legal name change.
The process differs depending on the state and sometimes the county. Each demands different documents, fees or procedure. It is therefore important to visit your local clerk or check online to get directions on what needs to be done before you embark on the process.
When you want to go through the process of legal name change, you will be required to present a reason or justification for undertaking the process. Some states just require you to fill a form and submit it for approval. In some cases, you have to appear in court in person for a hearing on the change. Other states require you to publish the old and new names on local media in case there is an objection. All these processes should be adhered to. Here are requirements if you want to change your name or that of your child.
- Court Papers- the papers request the court to change your name. These papers include a petition to have the name changed and the order in which the new names will appear. Some states require that the petition be filled and signed in front of a notary public. If the name change involves a child, the petition will need a higher justification threshold. To facilitate mailing of approval, you may be required to leave behind a business-sized and self addressed envelope.
- Proof of Identity- the court requires you to prove that the original name is yours. This could be a birth certificate or any other document that can show that you were referred by the name you wish to drop. The requirement for identity varies from one state to another.
- Court Fees- each name change process comes at a fee. The fees depend on the court you will be filling the petition, the state the court is based and the complexity of individual situation. For instance, it is more expensive to file for name change at the Supreme Court and High Court compared to filing at the civil court. There are name change petitions that may require filing at the Supreme Court while others are filed at civil courts and approved. Consult professionals in name change to know the best options for your case.
- Request for Judicial Intervention- the request is only required at the Supreme Court. As the name suggests, it happens when lower avenues have proven futile. It is only by filing the request that a judge will be assigned to your case. You will pay no fee for judicial intervention.
- As indicate on several occasions, the number of papers filed and details required will depend on the uniqueness of your situation. To ease the process, consult a professional agent who will guide you on the procedure and requirements in your jurisdiction.
The petition for name change is presented at the county court where live or the Supreme Court for judicial intervention. In some cases, you will be sent to Social Security Administration before heading to the other institutions and department like motor vehicle and health insurance. The destination will always depend on the uniqueness of your case.
You need to present a petition for name change whether you appear in front of a court or at the Social Security Administration office. The following information must be captured in the petition.
Justification for changing the name. The justification will be vetted and determine whether your petition will go through or not. If you are changing the name to conceal your identity because of debts or criminal liability, the petition will be declined. A name that is obscene or a racial slur will also be declined.
Legal information on conviction and judgment must be provided. Indicate the time you served and include documents to show incarceration or disposition.
Details of child or spousal support. You should provide proof that you have consistently met your obligation. This might be a ground for your petition being dismissed.
Where the petition is on changing the name of a child, the approval or details of the other parent must be presented to the court.
The fees for legal name change depend on the documents that need to be filed and where you are filing them. Engaging a professional agent dealing with name change will cost you more but the process is faster. Consult an experienced professional to know the uniqueness of your case and the easiest way to approach name change.
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