How to Change Your Last Name in Arkansas
In Arkansas you may change your last name by making a request in writing at the circuit court in the county where you live. If you change your last name due to marriage or divorce, you may not need to appear in court. An adult (over 18) may change her last name for any reason, provided that reason does not include fraud, misrepresentation or attempts to avoid legal obligations such as paying a debt or child support. The procedures for changing the last name of your minor child are similar provided both parents agree to the name change.
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Instructions
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Arkansas does not have an official name change application. You may create a petition to change your last name yourself, have an attorney create one on your behalf, or obtain one from a legal forms service.
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The petition must include information such as the division number of your local county courthouse, your current name, your new name and the reason for the name change request (see Resources). If the petition is for a child, both parents must sign the form. The petition must be notarized. The clerk at the courthouse can do this for you. Look up your county courthouse at the Arkansas government website (see Resources).
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Take several copies of your petition to change your last name to the county clerk. Bring along your birth certificate and photo identification. Also bring any marriage licenses, divorce decrees, adoption papers or any other documents that may include your current last name or previously used last names. If changing the last name of your child, bring the child's birth certificate.
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The clerk will collect the court filing fee. Check with your local county clerk to inquire about current fees. Fees may be waived by the court if paying the fee would cause financial hardship.
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Arrive at court on your assigned date and be prepared to tell the judge the reason for your name change. If the last name change is for a minor and the parents do not agree on the change, the judge will consider additional factors such as the child's preference, the effect the name change may have on the child's relationship with each parent and the length of time the child had the original last name.
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Once approved, the court will sign a form called an order of name change. You will need to supply this form to the court (see Resources).
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Use the court order of your name change to update your name on legal identification such as your Social Security card, driver's license, birth certificate or passport. If you changed your last name due to marriage or divorce, then your marriage license or divorce decree may serve as sufficient documentation even without a court order.
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Use your new identification to change your name at businesses and schools.
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Tips & Warnings
Merely changing a child's last name will not change any custody determinations or parental legal obligations.
A judge may refuse a name change if the new name would be the same as that of a famous person or if the name contains numerals or obscene words.
Remember to change your name on wills, deeds and other legal documents.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Arkansas state contour against blurred USA flag image by Stasys Eidiejus from Fotolia.com
