What’s In A Name? Believe Us, A Lot !!!

“What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.”

These famous lines by William Shakespeare have been used many a times; actually, so many times that they are now a cliché. But then, your name counts. Right. Apart from playing a crucial role in social settings (like, serving as a unique identification point for belonging to a particular class/ society/ ethnic group, etc.), legal name change processes, and official milieu (educational institutions, work environment, etc.), your name makes you different from the rest. Yes, names have been an integral part of human social setups and psyche for long, and will surely continue to be so.

Why is a Name Important?

Name is the first thing you say when you introduce yourself to someone. It is the first point of contact. It is how you identify yourself. It is how others bond with you. It is how your achievements, history, charity, and all other activities connect back to you. And that is why a name is so important for all social beings alike. All these features and more, make it important for those desirous of a legal name change to follow certain steps, as defined by their state jurisdiction and relevant authorities.

Carrying Forward a Legacy

It is probably because a name is so personal, and a possession that humans are so fond of, that they want to pass it on to their progenies. In almost all parts of the world, the practice of carrying the family name, along with one’s name, has occupied an important place in the society. While in some countries and groups, it is the name of the community that is taken as one’s surname, in others it is the family name, or that of one or both parents.

Who would want to Change their Names and Why?

Even if given a choice, there are not many in this world who would want to change their names. This may be because of personal, professional, or social reasons. Or maybe, because of the complications that are packaged with the processes of a legal name change. However, there are some people who want to change their names and get a different calling identity for themselves. There may be several reasons for this. For instance, there are numerous newly married ladies who desire to take on their spouse’s name because of traditions or personal reasons. Yes, in many parts of the world, it is usually the wife who takes on the husband’s surname while retaining her first name.

Why is a Name Change Important for Others?

Also, there are children who would like to change their surname from their father’s family name to that of their mother’s. Sometimes people change their names because they don’t like the name given to them at birth, or because it identifies them with a particular ethnic or religious group or community. And then, there are some who go through the many procedures of a legal name change to defraud. There may be other reasons like transgender name changes. Those in the transgender category may want to change their name to one that reflects their sexual orientation.

Letting the World Know

The process of changing one’s name has evolved over the years to include social, professional, and security perspectives. So, nowadays, it is not just about informing your near and dear ones through emails, phone, messages, or old fashioned letters that you would like to be called by the new name. In the contemporary scenario, where announcements on social media has become a norm, letting others know about your new identity, and probably explain or hint at why you chose to change your name, becomes an important part of the process too. Though many people take pride in announcing their name change after marriage, it can be fairly difficult to face the questions and reactions when changing your name back to your previous maiden name in certain cases, say after a divorce.

Name Change, Everywhere!

Here, the major time consuming aspect of a name change is with regards to ensuring that your new name reflects in all of your official documents. This includes your passport, social security card, driving license, bank documents, contracts, insurance papers, voter’s registration, legal documents like will and title deeds, citizenship card, health card, bills, tax records, vehicle permits and related documents, etc.

By going through the process of a legal name change, and with legal proof in place, all these documents can be updated with your changed name by applying to the individual departments, along with the certified legal proof. As official documents having contradictory names may lead to several problems, both criminal and civil, you need to ensure that the documents bear the new name only, so as to avoid any trouble in future.

The Parties that Need to Know

It is essential to inform all relevant parties of your new name change. You may need your marriage certificate, name change decree, or divorce decree for this purpose. Remember, as all financial, governmental, and business institutions have to be informed of your new name, you may require multiple copies of the requisite documents for this purpose. While some institutions may permit you to make all necessary changes over the phone, there are others that need prior written notices, applications and documentation. Some of these government agencies and private organizations would include:

• Agencies responsible for issuing legal documents like social security cards, passports, birth certificates, and photo IDs

• Schools and colleges

• Banks and financial institutions

• Places of work

• Creditors

• Attorneys

• Mortgage lenders

• Post office, and so forth.

It’s no Longer Cumbersome, go for it!

While changing your name sounds like a lot of work, technological advancements, digital / internet progression, and several customized services of agencies with expertise in the name change domain (from just technical advice to filling out customized forms), have made the process simple and faster, indeed. So if you are looking to change your name, there is nothing to stop you or slow you down !

This post was originally published on : https://hitchswitch.wordpress.com/2016/01/16/whats-in-a-name-believe-us-a-lot/

Why You Need To Legally Change Your Name And What Are The Available Options ?

There are various reasons why individuals wish to change the first or last name. For instance, there are some people who have spent several years using their first or last name, which needs to be changed once they get married. This necessitates altering names on different legal documents and other such things as your social security card, bank accounts etc.

In such situations, by changing your name legally, you can actually help yourself by avoiding any kind of confusion. However, for a legal name change, you need to file an application in the court associated with your place of residence.

Certain factors that do not permit you to legally change your name

Perhaps, we all have the rights to change our name. Usually, you may legally change your name whenever you wish to, but there are certain exceptions. Such exceptions are mainly associated with criminal intentions. These are as follows:

• You may not change your first or last name to escape from any debt liability and to hide from illegal liability

• You cannot change your name to commit any kind of crime

• You do not have the option to change your name just with some intension to mislead. Generally, this involves taking the name of certain famous personality. The court does not permit this, provided you have a persuasive reason, which is not associated to that famous individual.

• You may select a name, which comprises of numerals or any punctuation

• You cannot select a name, which would intimidate, or br considered obscene

Common reasons why legally changing name is necessitated

Marriage as well as divorce are the main reasons why usually people change names. For a legal name change, marriage certificate is extremely essential and people need to visit the Government office in their State to complete the entire process. Generally, if marriages do not work out properly, then divorce is the common way to change your name to your maiden name.

If you wish to change your name legally after marriage, your marriage license will suffice to verify the name change. And if you wish to go back to your former last name, i.e. after divorce, then simple usage is required. But, you ought to check out with the local court or the country laws in order to be sure. Being sure about the process is important as only then you can perform all the necessities to perfection and avoid any hassles arising later on.

Don’t worry about hassles, online options are easily available

The most significant thing that you must do to legally change your name is to follow the rules of the country where you living, Firstly, you ought to introduce yourself with the new name, fill the forms required under your new name and take help legally to complete the procedure.

As mentioned earlier, some of the institutions need legal documents for your name change. In some states, it is fairly a simple procedure to change the name with the help of court system. Nowadays, many state Government sites have forms accessible online that you need to fill and get the print out. The questions on these forms are quite straightforward and they just need all the necessary details required for your name change.

However, even though just filling forms is the required activity, people still want to avoid other aspects which require their time and efforts. This is where some online agencies involved in legal name change solutions can come to your rescue. They will perform all the necessary work on your behalf; thus providing you relaxation and peace of mind.

This post was originally published on : https://hitchswitch.wordpress.com/2015/12/28/why-you-need-to-legally-change-your-name-and-what-are-the-available-options/

Common Mistakes To Avoid When Changing Your Name After Marriage

Changing your name after marriage is one of the primary things that will make your changed relationship feel more real and literal. Be it the wife taking her husband’s surname or the other way around, talk on name change is something that rarely escapes marriage discussions. From changing your social and civic identity, to gaining a new name in financial and official records, the process involves plentiful steps and requires a good amount of your time and attention.

Any mistakes in this process might incur financial and time-related costs for couples. To save upon time and effort at a later stage, both partners need to make sure that they don’t take up the process of name change in haste, or without indulging in proper research. Here are certain things that you may expect to come your way when you legally change your name.

Changing your Name in a Haste

More often than not, couples start the process of name change in haste. Among other things, this can have serious repercussions on their travel plans and financial dealings. For instance, since air tickets cost less when booked in advance, booking honeymoon tickets on feasible dates, right after marriage, is one of the first things that couples do as soon as their marriage plans are set in motion. But in most airlines, the name on the ticket cannot be modified once booked. This is also the case with most visa documents if the travel plan includes a visit to another country. But once couples apply for a name change in their respective passports, right after their marriage, their travel plans will obviously be affected. This is because the name printed on the tickets and passport will not match.

Also, while the information on one’s passport is undergoing a change, travelling with old passports will not be possible. To avoid this, waiting to change your name legally after your return from your honeymoon or any other immediate travel, is a wise call and saves upon time and trouble.

Easy Way of Notifying others about Name Change

Though you would probably inform your near and dear ones about your name change either personally or through social media, email, and letters, it is always good to use your new name in the wedding thank you notes. This simple method will help establish your new name firmly in the minds of your friends, family, and acquaintances.

Not Following the Right Order

Not following the right order in the name change process may cause huge losses pertaining to money, time, and efforts. Firstly, it is essential to have a proof of your name change such as a court order and/or your marriage license. The next step is to approach the Social Security Administration for an updated Social Security Card.

Approaching the DMV’s office without an updated Social Security Card will only be a waste of time as it is an essential proof document that is required for changing your driver’s license and other related records. Changing your name with your utility providers and getting the bills in your new name is also something that has to be done before approaching the DMV’s office.

Have Certified Copies of your Marriage License in Hand

The state provides you with a free certified copy of your marriage license at the time of your marriage registration. But it is wise to apply for more copies, at least three, at the same time. It not only saves time as you can apply for updating your name with several agencies simultaneously, but also leads to reduced costs in the long run. Do remember that the costs of gaining these certificates vary in different states; but when applied along with the free copy, the costs incurred for extra copies is lesser than applying for them separately at a later stage.

Having Assumptions about Hyphenated Name Changes

Some couples assume that if the surname of the spouse is taken as a hyphenated name with their existing name, an official name change is not required. This is not true and can lead to problems in future as all official and financial records need to be updated with the new name, even if the change is only a hyphenated addition.

Choosing Names that will be Rejected

Some name change applications may be rejected by the State. Among other reasons, choosing the name of a celebrity for impersonation, or a numeral (except Roman numerals), punctuation marks, symbols, etc. serves to be a non-no. Also, the state finding out that the applicant is trying to evade debts serves to be another common reason that may attract a rejection of the application for name change.

Gathering the Appropriate Materials

While the requirements of each state serving to be different from another, finding these requirements will necessitate your involvement with the state's government website or a short visit to the local courthouse. For instance, if you do not wish to hire the servicers of an agency and wish to go the DIY way, you may like to look for the requisite forms at the information desk of your local courthouse. You may take the help of the clerk of courts.

In case you  would rather go online for facilitating your search, all you need to do is look for the keywords "name change petition form in” <your state>. You search would probably bring up a long list of relevant websites from which you have to select the one that relates to that of your state's government portal. This search will also lead you to the various other documents that you will be requiring for moving forward. In most cases, the request for name changes are effectively handled by a family or probate court, but then, the regulations may vary from one state to the next. The following documents will be essential for the changing your name the legal way.

• Petition for name change
• Order showcasing the cause for name change
• Your Social Security Card
• Birth certificate and marriage license
• A photo ID

Giving a little time and attention to your name change process can save a lot of time and hassles for you. Going by the book will surely ensure a smooth name change approval in the later stages of this process.

All The Fuss Surrounding New Married Name Simplified

In the recent decade, a spectacular increase has been observed in the number of females who desire to alter their last names and acquire a new married name based on their husband's last name.
In70's and 80's, majority of the women thought marital name alteration as an anachronism. But recent studies have revealed that approximately 80% of the women now have a mind set to change their names after marriage. If you plan to change your surname take your spouse’s name after marriage, there is a requirement to inform certain institutions about the name change.

Institutions that need to be notified

• Financial Institutions (these may include your bank etc.)

• Insurance Companies

• Government Agencies

How to Get a New Married Name?

The procedure for a bride getting a new married name comprises of some of the most symbolic events in her life after her big day. As far as authorized and logistical viewpoints are concerned, immediately after marriage, it is the best and easiest time to go for a name change. Few steps to be followed for a new name post marriage are-

• Altering to a new name after marriage can be done with a certified document of your registered marriage certificate

• Some offices need a personal visit to change a name, whereas others will permit you to change it on the phone or through a letter

• You will have to look for the protocol that is required for every office on your list, as the documents and rules needed may differ. This is with regards to your State of residence and every State has different set of rules and regulation pertaining to name change.

• If you are moving in a new house, ensure to update your new address right away

• New brides need even get their drivers license renewed with their newly acquired married name, which is a very simple process

• If you are not keen with all this paperwork, it is suggested to download a marital name change kit and you can even visit the state DMV website online

• These forms can easily be downloaded

• Another thing required for this is a new passport. For this, you can submit the necessary forms to get a new passport issued
Complications may arise

A problem can occur if some women has travel reservations with her newly acquired married name as she has not changed her name on the passport. If by any chance you are in any such kind of a situation, ensure that you bring a copy of the marriage certificate while traveling. The condition could be tough if by any chance you are going to a foreign country that requires a visa.
Such conditions are often witnessed as people somehow are not aware about what all requirements need to be fulfilled with regards to name change.

What is the easy way out?

Though the forms, which are required by report agencies and institutions, are moderately simple and can be completed easily, due to too much of stress and other demands during the wedding time, several brides prefer to buy name change kits and avoid doing it themselves.

Numerous full-service websites help in to simplify the somewhat tedious process of name changing. Availing of their services reduces the effort considerably and is of great help in filling out a simple online form and then wait for new married name in some days for the work to be done.

So for people who find paperwork boring or tedious, opting for services of online agencies is the best choice. They will take your burden on their shoulders and you can enjoy your time with your beloved.

This post was originally published on : https://hitchswitch.wordpress.com/2015/12/23/all-the-fuss-surrounding-new-married-name-simplified/

Important Dos And Don’ts Of Getting Your Name Changed

Are you planning to change your name because of reasons pertaining to marriage, deed poll, civil partnership, or divorce? Remember, the process can be onerous and expensive. Read on for smart ways of avoiding the pitfalls of your maiden name change, and keeping related costs down.

Getting a New Name after a Civil Partnership or Marriage

Your civil partnership or marriage certificate will not indicate the new surname that you will be using after the ceremony. Yet, you can use the same to prove that you have undergone a name change. So, how do you go about the process of altering your maiden name?

To change your existing surname to that of your civil partner’s or spouse’s (or for double-barreling your joint surnames) you will require your driving license / passport and marriage certificate. You will also have to fill in all the relevant forms concerned with the request for a name change. As a civil partner or married woman taking your partner’s surname, your marriage certificate will be accepted as proof by most financial institutions like building societies and banks.

However, this fails to be the way out in case you happen to be a married man who has taken up your wife’s surname, or are meshing/ double-barreling your surnames. In case either of these situations is applicable to you, it may be preferable to apply for a change in name via a deed poll. Yes, this will serve as an acceptable proof for your name change too.

Travelling on Honeymoon?

Go ahead, organize your honeymoon trip and travel under your newly attained name; you need not be concerned about any legal consequences coming your way. But then, there’s something that needs to be done beforehand. You may like to apply for change in the name given on your passport. The application for maiden name change, vide the form linked to ‘Passports for newlyweds and civil partners’ has to be initiated at least three months prior to your marriage ceremony.

Changing your Maiden Name with a Deed Poll

Now, you will probably ask, “What is a deed poll for change of name?” Well, it is merely a document that comprises of three declarations. These are as follows:

• I am abandoning / letting go of my previous name.

• I will be using my new name everywhere, and at all times.

• I require people to address me by this new name only.

The deed poll with these declarations has to be signed and dated along with your new and old names; yes, both have to be mentioned here. Your newly acquired name should contain both a surname and forename. It should be easily pronounceable. In addition, it should comply with all common sense restrictions as specified in the regulations recommended by the Home Office. You will require the signature of two witnesses who are not related to you in any way too. These witnesses have to sign the deed poll and also share their occupations, names and addresses.

How to Prepare the Deed Poll?

If you are hassled about going through long and cumbersome procedures of creating the deed poll for your maiden name change, then, do know that the process is fairly simple. You can do it yourself too. Just research upon the legal phrases depicted in the related documents linked to the Ministry of Justice and use Form LoC020. You may even seek help from a solicitor or an agency that specializes in name changes; they will be happy to assist you in preparing this deed poll.

If you are okay with going the DIY way, then, draft the declaration and click “Print” for a few copies of the same. Remember to use parchment or high quality paper for this purpose. Get these deed copies witnessed and signed. Once these steps are over, you may present them to all financial institutions and relevant government authorities; they are as good as your marriage certificate.

Changing Your Name after Divorce

If you intend changing your name back to your maiden name post gaining a divorce, you need to revert your bank accounts and ID back to the same too. Here, you’ll require the marriage certificate and your decree absolute for the process to go through smoothly. You may like to go on an alternate path and get your name changed via a deed poll. As in the earlier mentioned case, you may also use these document at all relevant places.

Contrary to what you have been thinking, the processes behind your maiden name change are not really difficult. Getting in touch with the right agencies helps too – they answer all your questions and ensure hassle-free addressing of your immediate needs.

This post was originally published on : https://hitchswitch.wordpress.com/2015/11/04/important-dos-and-donts-of-getting-your-name-changed/

Getting Hitched? Don't Forget To Change Name After Marriage

To get married is the most amazing things everybody waits for in his or her entire life. You are not just eternally tied in the relation of love with your beloved, but also begin a journey full of love, affection, happiness and joy. You also get a chance to throw party to your friends and relatives and have a merry time with them. What can be much better than all this?

The rings you exchange before the wedding is the initial step for you to become husband and wife. However, along with all this, there are other important aspects that you cannot ignore. Moreover, there are numerous documents that you need to fill up to change name after marriage and lots of paperwork to file up with Government to legally change the name as well as document of marriage.

Even though, it seems to be very easy to do, anything that involves Government actually takes quite a long time. Hence, make sure that you change your last name after marriage before leaving for your honeymoon. If not done, then your previous name on driving license must match with the passport, which makes it easy for you to travel.

Process to get your Name Changed after Marriage

Always get a photocopy of marriage license from local office from where you had originally applied. In majority of the cases, you will require a notarized copy in order to change the name since copies are not expected to be accepted.

As social security information is required in many places, you must apply for social security change of name initially. Just after that, you can update the name on driver’s license. In addition, you may wish to call up agencies on prior basis to inquire what essential verification or paperwork will be required. It is always better to call up and find out what you are actually missing.

While attempting to make any update with your name change, you must always bring forward a marriage license copy, existing driving license and a proof of existing address where you are residing. Therefore, to change your name after marriage, you will actually need all this. Once social security card as well as drivers license is being updated, do not forget the accounts of your bills.

Some important aspects that you need name change

• Gas Bills
• Electric Bills
• Water Bills
• Credit Card Accounts
• Phone Bills (Mobile and Landline)
• Insurance Companies
• Magazine Subscriptions
• Passport

The moment you make any change of name after marriage, always take care of the identification issues. It is a fact that you will evade lot of confusion and hence it is advisable not to delay the process. You must give this thing utmost priority to it as nowadays the Government has become very strict regarding this issue. You may look online as lot of companies have come up that resolves the problem of name change after marriage from the ease of your home or office.

All you need to understand about legally changing your name

When you want to change your name, it is a legal process, which does not necessitate presence of a lawyer. You have to legally change your name by following a particular procedure. In case you find it tough to handle your paperwork, it is suggested that you hire services of an expert, but without any doubt this will cost some money. There are many online companies, which give you instructions how to legally change name. So if you are overwhelmed by the though of name change, these companies can be a good option.

People legally change your name after divorce, or for some other reasons. It is not a big deal. Whenever you make up your mind to legally change yourname, you totally let go of your old name. However if you desire to go back to the old name, entire legal process of name change needs to be adopted. You have to follow a set procedure of legal name change prior to using that particular name on legal documents.

What you need to do to change your name?

In order to change a name you have to first pick up a new name. Just make sure you check out all possibilities and you are very comfortable with the name you choose. This is a very big decision, and you should ponder over it prior to reaching to any conclusion. In fact, you should put serious thought into which name you want for yourself. Though this might not be an issues if you are a female getting married, as you obviously will choose your husband's name.

Never ever, try to bypass law by making use of new name without getting consent legally. This will lead to wide array of issues. There is not much effort needed to avail of a new name. You only have you to file petition in court of your state's compliant name change form, which is available at clerk office of your state.

As a matter of fact, legal name change forms are also available online. Once you get hold of the legal name change forms, you have to fill in the blank areas, get hold of a witness, write the date, and put your signature. Finally, you have to notarize your name change form. Do not feel intimidated with name change process.

Once you have filed petition in court to give you new name, you will be given a court date when you can appear before the judge. On this date, your judge will either grant you new name or refuse to do the same. If it is granted, you can use new name on legal documents, for instance on your driver's license, social security card, birth certificate etc.

Complete the easy procedure online

Once you hold a copy of primary identification documents with new name, you can use it to change name on bills as well as bank account. Majority of banks accept judge certified name change forms regardless of the fact that you have not furnished your driver’s license which holds the new name. So go ahead and get your name change post-divorce or otherwise without any problem what so ever. Process is very easy and you will not face any kind of hurdle. The on line medium is best as it saves time and efforts needed for paperwork. So choose a good expert and relax.