How to Legally CHANGE Your NAME

Legally changing your name is a simple and straightforward process. People change their name legally for a variety of reasons including a life event such as divorce or a simple dissatisfaction with a given name.

Other common reasons include:
* Changing to the mother's maiden name (after a divorce)
* An awkward name (difficult to spell and/or pronounce).
* Desired Association with a foreign nationality (to show grandparent's nationality).
* Professional identity (Doctors legally maintaining a maiden name).

Follow these steps to have your name legally changed by a court.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• See RESOURCES below for an easy ONLINE process to legally change your name

1. ~ Confirm you are eligible for a name change by fulfilling the 2 following legal requirements ~
   
   Residency - You must live in the county and state where the name change application will be filed. In some states, you must have resided in the county and state for a minimum time prior to filing (often at least six months).
   
   Legal grounds - Name changes are not allowed for the following:
   * to avoid judgments or legal actions filed against you
   * to avoid obligations and debts
   * to defraud others
   * to exploit the name of a famous person or business
   * to intentionally confuse
   * to punctuation mark or number
   * to a racial slur
   * to a obscene or threatening word

2. ~ File the Paperwork ~
   
   If the requirements in Step 1 are satisfied, a "Name Change Petition" is filed in the county court where you reside and the filing fee is paid.

3. ~ Publish the Name Change ~
   
   In most states, a notice must be published in a local newspaper stating that you have filed a "Name Change Petition". If anyone else (such as a spouse) would be affected by the name change, notice must be given to them personally. A sufficient time (usually 4 continuous weeks) must be allowed for your published notice to run prior to your hearing date.

4. ~ Schedule the Final Court Hearing ~
   
   The court will schedule a date for the final hearing and consideration of the "Name Change Petition". This is the chance for anyone interested to comment on the proposed name change. The court will issue a judgment authorizing the name change if it does not find any objections. You can now legally start using your new name.

5. ~ Change Your Paperwork ~
   
   Once granted, you can change your name on all financial and government records. A legal name change will insure your history and identity are linked to your new name. Revise all wills, trusts, living wills, and other personal legal documents.

6. ~ Complete the Process ~
   
   The entire process to legally change your name usually takes 30-90 days according to which state and county you file. See "Resources" below for an easy online process to legally change your name.

Resources

• Easy ONLINE process to legally change your name.

[sunnyglitter]

on 7/16/2009 I've been thinking about changing my name. Great tips. 5*