How to Change Your Name in a Gay/Lesbian Relationship

There are two perfectly legal ways for you to change your name to your partner's name. Seeking a court order is more official, as your name change will be recognized legally. If you'd rather avoid the hassle, simply using your new name is also acceptable.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Use your new name consistently and stubbornly in all aspects of your life - socially, professionally, and personally.

2. Change the name that appears on all official documents, including a driver's license or identification card, Social Security card, business cards, credit cards and other important references. Most organizations have simple name-change forms to aid you in this task.

3. Fill out a short petition to change your name and file it at your local courthouse.

4. In addition, publish a legal notice of your intention to change your name in a local legal newspaper. Perhaps unsurprisingly, few people ever read these notices.

5. Attend a routine court hearing as instructed by the courthouse following review of your petition.

6. Walk out of the courtroom as a new person. Or at least as a person with a new name.

Tips & Warnings

• If you must provide explanation for the change, you need not explain that you plan to take on your partner's name. You can explain that it will be more convenient for business or that you simply prefer the new name. You might consider this option given that a court in Delaware refused to grant a name change after the petitioner stated that she was a lesbian who wanted to take her partner's name. While this ruling is unusual, it can still happen.