There is a process involved when you want to legally change your name. This process will apply whether you are changing the first, middle or last name. The process is almost similar in all states. However, a few differences will emerge depending on the circumstances under which you want to change the name. For instance, it is easy if the chance is anchored on your marriage status. With all the papers and justification required, it will be easy to complete the process. If you have criminal or civil cases in court, the process might prove a bit challenging. However, here is a step by step guide on changing your name legally.
Filing a Petition to Change Your Name
You will be required to obtain a petition from the county court. The papers are designed to collect your personal details and allow the court administrator to understand your identity, why you need to change and what you need to change the name to. Beyond the form asking you to provide your identity, it requires you to indicate whether you have active convictions and cases in court. The aim is to certify that the desire to change name is not an attempt to escape legal obligations.
The information given on the petition must be accurate and comprehensive. If the administrators find inconsistencies and errors, your application will be declined or the process will delay as you correct the mistakes. You need to sign the petition and further have it notarized. In most states, police background check is mandatory. You will therefore be required to present a disposition certificate if you have a history of conviction. You can obtain this certificate from the convicting court.
File the petition with the county court clerk. This should be in the county where you live. The court will require you to pay some administrative fees. These fees are determined by what your petition will involve. Complex cases attract higher fees. The fees may also change from one county or state to the other. You will be assigned a case number and given a date for your name change hearing.
It is mandatory to attend court hearing for your name change. The judge uses the opportunity to inquire more about your background and reason for desiring to change your name. The session could last a few minutes if your papers are in order and reasons for changing the name justifiable. The judge will give a ruling, a copy of which will be passed to you by the clerk.
Publishing Your New Name
There are states that require you to publish your name in the local newspaper. This is meant to alert anyone with an objection. Requirements for publication, including circulation of newspapers and number of times to publish the name will vary from one state to the other. The clerk of the court where you file the petition will provide details on publication. There are instances where publishing the name is risky. The judge will make a ruling on exemption. For instance, if you are a victim of hate crime, rape or witness to a sensitive court case, you will be exempted. The aim is to conceal your identity and protect you from further harm.
The court requires you to return proof of publication after the expiry of the period granted. You will pay for copies of the certified name change order and use it to institute name change on different institutions. You can present the order to the vital records office in your state for processing of the birth certificate under the new name.
Acquiring a New Social Security Card after Name Change
Social Security Administration office requires you to present old identification documents and the order granting change of name. The documents you can present include Driver’s License, old SS card and proof of address, among others. They verify that you are the old owner of the new name. They require two weeks to complete the updating process and issue a new card. The old number is retained as well as previous personal records. Since other institutions refer to Social Security Administration database, they will not find inconsistency in your name or other details. You can them proceed to get a new Driver’s License from the Department of Motor Vehicle, change name in banks, insurance and other institutions.
It might appear hectic to Legally Change Your Name by visiting all the offices and filing petitions. Take a shortcut by engaging professional name change agents who will take up the responsibility. They save you time and allow you to focus on other personal duties yet have your name changed in the shortest time possible.
Filing a Petition to Change Your Name
You will be required to obtain a petition from the county court. The papers are designed to collect your personal details and allow the court administrator to understand your identity, why you need to change and what you need to change the name to. Beyond the form asking you to provide your identity, it requires you to indicate whether you have active convictions and cases in court. The aim is to certify that the desire to change name is not an attempt to escape legal obligations.
The information given on the petition must be accurate and comprehensive. If the administrators find inconsistencies and errors, your application will be declined or the process will delay as you correct the mistakes. You need to sign the petition and further have it notarized. In most states, police background check is mandatory. You will therefore be required to present a disposition certificate if you have a history of conviction. You can obtain this certificate from the convicting court.
File the petition with the county court clerk. This should be in the county where you live. The court will require you to pay some administrative fees. These fees are determined by what your petition will involve. Complex cases attract higher fees. The fees may also change from one county or state to the other. You will be assigned a case number and given a date for your name change hearing.
It is mandatory to attend court hearing for your name change. The judge uses the opportunity to inquire more about your background and reason for desiring to change your name. The session could last a few minutes if your papers are in order and reasons for changing the name justifiable. The judge will give a ruling, a copy of which will be passed to you by the clerk.
Publishing Your New Name
There are states that require you to publish your name in the local newspaper. This is meant to alert anyone with an objection. Requirements for publication, including circulation of newspapers and number of times to publish the name will vary from one state to the other. The clerk of the court where you file the petition will provide details on publication. There are instances where publishing the name is risky. The judge will make a ruling on exemption. For instance, if you are a victim of hate crime, rape or witness to a sensitive court case, you will be exempted. The aim is to conceal your identity and protect you from further harm.
The court requires you to return proof of publication after the expiry of the period granted. You will pay for copies of the certified name change order and use it to institute name change on different institutions. You can present the order to the vital records office in your state for processing of the birth certificate under the new name.
Acquiring a New Social Security Card after Name Change
Social Security Administration office requires you to present old identification documents and the order granting change of name. The documents you can present include Driver’s License, old SS card and proof of address, among others. They verify that you are the old owner of the new name. They require two weeks to complete the updating process and issue a new card. The old number is retained as well as previous personal records. Since other institutions refer to Social Security Administration database, they will not find inconsistency in your name or other details. You can them proceed to get a new Driver’s License from the Department of Motor Vehicle, change name in banks, insurance and other institutions.
It might appear hectic to Legally Change Your Name by visiting all the offices and filing petitions. Take a shortcut by engaging professional name change agents who will take up the responsibility. They save you time and allow you to focus on other personal duties yet have your name changed in the shortest time possible.
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