how much sc name change attorney

by Abel Halvorson 8 min read

For $247 $147 you get instant access to everything you need to change your name in South Carolina. This does not include the court costs and background check fees. The family court charges a $150.00 filing fee, SLED charges $25.00 for a background check fee, and DSS charges $8.00 for the registry check.

Most guardians charge an hourly rate in the range of $150 to $175 per hour.

Full Answer

How do I file a name change in South Carolina?

How much does it cost to change a name? For an adult, changing a name involves a $150 filing fee with the court for the petition. For most situations, the Maron Law Group charges a …

Where can I find a lawyer to change my name?

Aug 27, 2009 · The Name Change System is priced in such a way that nearly anyone can participate. For $247 $147 you get instant access to everything you need to change your name in South Carolina. This does not include the court costs and background check fees.

How much does it cost to get a name change hearing?

Jul 17, 2014 · Most guardians charge an hourly rate in the range of $150 to $175 per hour. If the name change isn’t contested by another person (such as a father contesting a child’s name change), then the total time spent by the guardian will likely be 2 to 3 hours for interviews and time in court. Charleston Family Lawyers for Name Changes

How much does it cost to change a name in California?

Under the South Carolina Code of Laws, Section 15-49-10 requires that any request for a name change be submitted to a family court judge by way of a petition. A petition outlines who is requesting the change, their place of birth, their current residence, as well as why the change is being requested. In the case of a name change for a minor ...

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How much does a legal name change cost in SC?

For an adult, changing a name involves a $150 filing fee with the court for the petition.Jul 22, 2019

How long does it take to get a name change in South Carolina?

It takes up to 6 months to change your legal name in South Carolina state. Legally name change will take 6 to 10 days to provide all required forms to submit into South Carolina court.

How much does it cost for someone to change their name?

Name changes cost anywhere from under $100 to more than $500, depending on your state. In many states, fees vary in each county, so check with your local probate, family, or district court clerk. Many states still have fees well under $100.May 2, 2022

How do I legally change my name in SC?

You'll need to fill out SCDMV Form 4057 (Application for a Name and/or Address Change) and Form 447-NC (Application for a Driver's License, Beginner's Permit, or Identification Card). Bring along documentation of your name change (your certified marriage license or court order) too.May 26, 2020

How do I change my name on my Social Security card in SC?

To change your name on your card, you must show us documents proving your legal name change and identity. You also must show us a document proving your U.S. citizenship, if it is not already in our records. You must present original documents or copies certified by the agency that issued them.

Can you legally change your first name?

Changing your first name. As with your surname, there is nothing in the law stopping you from changing your first name at any time, so long as you don't have any fraudulent (or other criminal) intent. You can assume any name or combination of names you please in addition to, or substitution for, your existing name.

How long does it take to change your name?

The whole process of updating your records with all record holders usually takes 3–8 weeks, depending on how promptly you do it.

Do I have to pay to change my name on my passport?

To update your passport to be in your new name, you'll need to apply for a new passport (in your new name). You'll need to pay the standard passport application fee.

How much does it cost to change name on birth certificate?

We will ask you to pay a fee of £40.00. This fee is set by central government and is for consideration of the application. It does not guarantee the application will be successful.

How do I legally change my name back to my maiden name?

All you need to revert your ID and bank accounts back to your maiden name after you divorce is your decree absolute and your marriage certificate. Alternatively, you can change your name by deed poll and present this document instead.Feb 6, 2013

How do I go about changing my last name after marriage?

How to Change Your Name in 10 Steps
  1. Get Your Marriage License and Certified Copies. ...
  2. Update Your Social Security Card. ...
  3. Get a New Driver's License. ...
  4. Get a New Passport and Travel Documents. ...
  5. Change the Name on Your Bank Accounts. ...
  6. Change the Name on Your Credit Cards. ...
  7. Provide Your New Name and Banking Information to Your Employer.
Dec 17, 2020

How much is it to change a child's last name in SC?

Once you have received the results from SLED and the DSS, bring them to your local family court along with the Petition, both Affidavits, the Request for Hearing, a copy of your original birth certificate, and the $150 filing fee.Dec 3, 2021

Are you interested in handling a name change on your own?

We have prepared a step-by-step system that holds your hand and walks you through the entire adult name change process in South Carolina.

Questions?

Here are the answers to the most common questions about the name change system:

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Notary Public Blog | Trying for that Name Change Through SLED? Don't Get Hosed in the Process. ~ GreenvilleNotary.com says:

How to change a child's name in court?

Before granting a child’s name change, the family court judge must determine whether the name change is in the “best interest of the child.” When determining what is in the child’s best interest, the judge will consider the following factors: 1 The length of time that the child has used the present surname; 2 The effect of the change on the preservation and development of the child’s relationship with each parent; 3 The identification of the child as part of a family unit; 4 The wishes of the parents; 5 The stated reason for the proposed change 6 The motive of the parents and the possibility that the use of a different name will cause insecurity or a lack of identity; 7 The difficulty, harassment, or embarrassment that the child may experience when the child bears a surname different from the custodial parent; 8 The preference of the child if the child is of an age and maturity to express a meaningful preference; and 9 The degree of community respect associated with the present and proposed surname.

What does a judge consider when granting a name change?

The judge will consider the true interest of the person and the protection of the public before deciding whether to grant the name change. By statute, the changing of a name doesn’t affect, limit, or reduce the person’s (or his or her estate’s) obligations to others.

Can a divorced wife resume her maiden name?

At the final divorce hearing (or sometimes in the hearing approving the separation agreement if it occurs before the divorce), a wife may request to resume her maiden name.

How to change your name as an adult?

First, the person must file a petition with the family court giving the reason for the name change, the person’s age, the person’s place of residence and birth, and the name by which he or she wants to be known.

Can a name change be granted without a hearing?

In many cases, we can have the name change granted without a hearing, but sometimes the judge may require a hearing before granting the name change. The judge will consider the true interest of the person and the protection of the public before deciding whether to grant the name change. By statute, the changing of a name doesn’t affect, limit, ...

Can a parent change their child's name?

A parent may petition (file a lawsuit) to change his or her child’s name. The parent must make the other parent a party to the lawsuit unless the other parent’s parental rights have been terminated or the parent is deceased.

Do you need a hearing for a name change?

Also, a hearing is always required in a child name change case, and the GAL will report the findings of his or her investigation at this hearing. While many people are more familiar with a GAL’s role in custody cases, this is one of the unique areas where a GAL is used outside of a contested custody and visitation setting.

Legal Name Change

Other than changing your name when you get married, which is done in probate court, a legal name change for any other reason is done through the family court. Under the South Carolina Code of Laws, Section 15-49-10 requires that any request for a name change be submitted to a family court judge by way of a petition.

Requirements Before A Name Change Can Be Granted

Under state law, there are certain requirement that must be met by the person requesting the change. Requirements for getting your name changed include:

Contact an Experienced South Carolina Family Law Attorney

If you are contemplating a name change for yourself or your child, contact an experienced Greenville South Carolina family law attorney. At the Law Firm of Lauren M. Taylor, we have experience helping clients meet court requirements, and can help you get your name change done quickly and professionally.

Is there a name change law in South Carolina?

Fortunately, the name change laws in South Carolina are very definitive, and the process remains the same throughout every county. Laws – § 15-49.

How much does a GAL charge for a name change?

They charge an hourly rate (typically between $150 – $175/hour) and, at the time of the hearing, will report their findings to the judge.

What happens if you get your spouse's last name on your marriage certificate?

Once the decree is approved by a judge, you can bring it with you to the SSA and DMV to update your Social Security and driver’s license.

How to change your name after divorce?

Changing your name after a divorce is easy; simply include a clause in your divorce petition stating your intent to use your maiden name (or the name you had prior to this marriage). You will be asked to testify before the judge at your divorce hearing and state your desire to revert back to your previous name. The judge will fill out the divorce decree, which you can use to update your name change on your Social Security, driver’s license, and any other documents/agencies/accounts that require attention.

Who will be assigned to name change cases?

A judge will be assigned to all name change cases and will have the final say as to whether or not the name change is appropriate. If an individual is in one of the aforementioned situations and gets their name change approved, the court clerk will notify the proper department so they can update their records.

Can a judge change your name without a hearing?

If the judge deems the change lawful and appropriate, they will sign a Name Change Order. (In some cases, the judge will issue a name change order without a hearing.) Have the court clerk make certified copies of the Order so you can update your name with the necessary agencies and on the appropriate legal documents.

How long does it take to change your name on your driver's license?

Driver’s License. You are required to notify the DMV within ten (10) days of your legal name change. First, you have to change your name with the Social Security Administration (SSA) before updating your driver’s license.

What is the issue of a child's name change in South Carolina?

The issue of a child’s name change in South Carolina can be a complex and may result in legal consequences.

What is the phone number for a lawyer in South Carolina?

and 5 p.m. The number is 799-7100 in Richland or Lexington Counties, and 1-800-868-2284 from other parts of the state.

How to change a child's name in court?

If the family court determines changing the child's name is in "the best interest of the child," the court will grant the petition. In determining whether the name change is in the best interest of the child, the family court may consider the following factors: 1 The length of time the child used his or her present surname; 2 The effect of the change on the preservation and development of the child's relationship with each parent; 3 The identification of the child as part of a family unit; 4 The wishes of each parent; 5 The reason the petitioning parent states for the proposed change; 6 The motive of the petitioning parent and the possibility the child's use of a different name will cause insecurity or a lack of identity; 7 The difficulty, harassment, or embarrassment the child may experience if the child bears a surname different than that of the custodial parent; 8 If the child is of age and maturity to express a meaningful preference, the child's preference; and 9 The degree of community respect associated with the present and proposed surnames.

How to determine if a name change is in the best interest of the child?

In determining whether the name change is in the best interest of the child, the family court may consider the following factors: The length of time the child used his or her present surname; The effect of the change on the preservation and development of the child's relationship with each parent; The identification of the child as part ...

What is the reason for a petitioning parent to change their name?

The reason the petitioning parent states for the proposed change; The motive of the petitioning parent and the possibility the child's use of a different name will cause insecurity or a lack of identity; The difficulty, harassment, or embarrassment the child may experience if the child bears a surname different than that of the custodial parent;

What happens if a child has a different surname than the custodial parent?

The motive of the petitioning parent and the possibility the child's use of a different name will cause insecurity or a lack of identity; The difficulty, harassment, or embarrassment the child may experience if the child bears a surname different than that of the custodial parent;

Who must be a party to a child's lawsuit?

The parent must make the child's other parent a party to the lawsuit unless: (1) the other parent's parental rights have been terminated, (2) the other parent is deceased, or (3) the family court waives the inclusion of the other parent in the suit.

Can you be charged for changing your name to someone else's name?

For instance, if the person wants to change their name to someone else’s with the intent to assume that person’s identity and to collect on their benefits, then not only will their request be struck down because it is illegal, but they can be charged criminally for it as well.

Who reviews name change petitions?

Once that is done, a judge or magistrate will review the information on the forms and determine whether to grant or deny the name change request. In most cases, the judge will grant the petition.

Can you change your name in witness protection?

In addition, while it is not the most common situation, a person may also have their name changed if they enter a witness protection program. However, the name they receive will generally be chosen by the law enforcement agency in charge of their placement in such a program.

Why do people change their names?

In addition, while it is not the most common situation, a person may also have their name changed if they enter a witness protection program.

Kevin Michael Seibert

I agree. The fees quoted by whatever attorney you choose to consult would be based on their hourly rate and how much time they believe may be involved. Fees would likely be not much more, if any, than $1500 if uncontested, by many attorneys. If contested, that's another matter entirely. More

James Ross Snell

Assumng that both the mother and father consent, and there is nothing really unusual about the situation, I'd say total fee is likely going to be $1,000 - $1,500.

Mauricio Adonay Herrera

There is no set fee by law. Each attorney would charge any amount the attorney feels is the right amount based on the facts of the case.

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