How to Legally Change a Name

Video Transcript

"You want to change your name. Hi, I'm Robert Todd and I'm here to answer the question, how do I legally change my name? Well, the process is going to vary from state to state, for the most part, but it has evolved into a very simple process. In fact, this is something that most individuals can do without a lawyer. What I would recommend is that you go to your local court clerk's office and ask for the form for changing your name and ask for some assistance in filling out the form and proceed accordingly. Now there are some things you should know about changing your name. First of all, if you're going through a bankruptcy proceeding, you probably will not be allowed to change your name until that bankruptcy proceeding has concluded. If you are in the midst of a criminal prosecution, you probably will not be allowed to change your name until the conclusion of that criminal prosecution. But other than that, it's a very simple process. You pick a name, you decide the name you want to be changed, you complete the paper work, you submit it to a judge for approval and it's pretty much a done deal. I'm Robert Todd and thank you for watching."