how to change my last name without an attorney

by Ms. Patience Koelpin 3 min read

Complete the name change forms and make sure you have followed all requirements. Fill out the Petition for Change of Name as well as the Final Decree for Change of Name. If your state requires the publication of your name change request in a local newspaper, attach proof of publication to your application.

What should I know about changing my legal name?

How to Legally Change Your Name Without a Lawyer Step 1. Visit the website listed in the Resource section. Select your state. Access and print the name change forms. Step 2. Read the instructions for filing a name change. Each state requires slightly different requirements. Step 3. Complete the name ...

Do you need a lawyer to change your name after divorce?

If you want to legally change your last name but need a separate court order to do so, you can work with an attorney in your state or you can use a reputable online legal services provider to obtain and complete the required name change documents. The legal name change process varies from one jurisdiction to another but typically includes filing a petition or application with …

How do I get a decree of name change from court?

Step By Step Process to Change Your Name. Petition to change your name by filing the requirements below with the help of your county’s court clerk after making sure all the forms are carefully ... Pay the processing fees, as required by the court. Attend the …

How do I legally change my last name after marriage?

How it works. 1. Complete our name change questionnaire. 2. We create your name change documents. 3. Get a final wrap-up of your name change order. For a more detailed view of our name change process, click here.

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Can you legally change your last name?

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

How do you change your name for free?

Preparing and Filing FormsRequest for Waiver of Fees. This form asks the judge to waive some or all of the costs of the name-change procedure. ... Order for Waiver of Fees. ... Petition for Change of Name. ... Publication Notice. ... Order for Change of Name.

How difficult is it to change your name?

It's easy to change your name in social settings, all you have to do is introduce yourself with your desired name. It's changing all your documents that is the hard part which includes your identification card, social security card, birth certificate and credit cards.Dec 31, 2021

Does changing your name affect anything?

You probably expect to need to update your Social Security information and your credit cards, but there are plenty of other people who need to know about your new name as well. "A name change can have an impact on your taxes. All the names on your tax return must match Social Security Administration records.Aug 8, 2018

How long does it take to change your name?

How long does it take to legally change my name? Name change actions can take anywhere from a day, to six (6) months (sometimes even longer). The time it takes for name change actions to be ordered/decreed varies not only from state to state but from county to county and courthouse to courthouse as well.

What state is the easiest to change your name?

Easiest States To Change Your Name Still, every state except Hawaii will provide you with a Court Order that can be used to make changes with your ID and Official Records. Because of Full Service, by EZ Name Change, California's process is considered one of the easiest and surest ways to get a name legally changed.

Do you need a good reason to change your name?

You don't need a good reason, just a legal one. You can change your name for any purpose short of breaking the law— and you can do it without a lawyer.

What are the benefits of changing your name?

Legally changing your name does offer quite a few potential benefits. First of all, it can give you a fresh start. Whether you want to put a difficult past behind you, escape the attentions of a stalker or start fresh during a new phase in your life, a legal name change can be very empowering.Sep 19, 2018

Can you change your name to anything you want?

Typically, you may legally change your name to whatever name you'd like, although state marriage laws may also provide some additional legal guidance. There are some exceptions though. For example, you can't: Change your name to escape debt liability or hide from criminal liability.Jul 22, 2020

What are the disadvantages of changing your name?

Con: It's not free It needs to get notarized. If your name change is the result of a divorce or a marriage, you may need additional documentation. It's not prohibitively expensive — court fees may be a few hundred dollars — but it does cost money. This is only something you want to do if you're serious about it.Oct 31, 2018

What are the drawbacks of changing your name?

Cons of a Name Change First and foremost, it isn't free. You will be required to pay for the cost of the petition to change it. In most states, the cost isn't more than a few hundred dollars, but that amount could be prohibitive for some people.

How do you pick a new last name?

How To Choose a Cool Last NameConsider the meaning. ... See how it sounds with the first name. ... Count how many syllables it is. ... Ask yourself what “feeling” the last name creates and if it matches with your character's persona. ... Consider its uniqueness.May 26, 2021

How to change your name after marriage?

A legal name change after marriage can be accomplished without court involvement, just by filing the necessary forms. You will need to present your marriage certificate in multiple government institutions, so make sure to have multiple certified copies.

Why do people change their names?

In other cases, an individual may choose to do so simply because they dislike their given name.

What happens after an adoption is approved?

After the adoption application is approved by the judge and the process is finalized, the state will issue a new birth certificate. The new amended birth certificate will be issued replacing the biological parents’ names with the names of the adoptive parents.

Why do people change their last name?

People change their name for a variety of reasons. By far the most common reason people change their name (last name) is due to marriage or divorce. Other reasons include: Entertainment Stage Name. Gender Change. State Witness Program. Troubled History. Dislike of Birth Name. Restoring a Former Name.

How much does it cost to change your name?

As it varies by state, changing you name typically costs under a few hundred dollars. It’s after you change your name that the fees add up with things like a new drivers license, social security card and passport. All of which will cost money to replace. Again, states charge different fees to replace IDs and documents.

How old do you have to be to get married in Florida?

In Florida, not only do you not need to be a resident to get married, you do not need to be a citizen of the United States. Age Requirement – 18 years of age.

How much does a marriage ceremony cost?

A Marriage Ceremony is inexpensive when done by the state. Most states charge between $25-$60 dollars when performed by a Marriage Officiant. A Marriage Ceremony must be done within 30 days to 90 days, depending on the state, from the marriage license date of issuance.

How to change name on passport?

To change your name on a US Passport an applicant will need to do the following: If applying less than 1 year after your previous passport was issued you will need to gather the following: Complete Form DS-5504 either Online or in Adobe PDF. Your Current Passport.

Is it hard to change your name?

The process of changing your name is not difficult however it requires a tedious effort to do so. There are many steps, which can be slow at times, that are required to successfully change your name. It’s easy to change your name in social settings, all you have to do is introduce yourself with your desired name.

How to change your name in court?

The first step is filing a petition in the proper court, along with any other required forms and paying the filing fee. In most states, the petitioner (the individual making the request) must publish notice of the petition in a local newspaper.

What is a copy of a divorce decree?

A certified copy of your marriage certificate or divorce judgment serves as "proof" of your name change, and can be used when you register your new name with government, business and financial agencies. In order to save time and simplify this process, our partner makes it easier to complete and file your name change forms with every organization ...

Why do people change their last name?

People legally change their first, middle, or last names for a variety of reasons: Major life changes—getting married, divorced, or undergoing a gender reassignment—might catalyze a name change, or people might just hate the name they were born with.

How much does it cost to change your name?

But be ready to pay a few hundred dollars. In most states, you have to pay a fee (usually $150 to $200) to file your name change petition in court. It also costs a small amount of money to get forms notarized.

Can I change my last name?

2. The simplest times to change your last name are during marriage and divorce. In most states, men and women can legally change their last name to their new spouse’s surname, hyphenate their two surnames, or create a new amalgamation of their surnames (like when actors Alexa Vega and Carlos Pena got married in 2014, ...

Can I change my name back to my maiden name?

And if you get divorced and want to legally change your name back to your maiden name, you can usually get the judge to take care of that during the divorce proceedings. Your name change should appear on your Decree of Dissolution (a.k.a. Divorce Decree), then you can start using your maiden name again. 3.

Do I need a lawyer to change my name?

Although it may be seem daunting to show up at court or fill out legal paperwork, you don’t need to hire a lawyer to change your name. Filling out a Petition for Name Change can be fairly straightforward. But if you do feel overwhelmed by navigating the name change process yourself, consider outside help.

Is it important to notify people of your new name?

Although it’s important to notify people of your new name, doing it too soon could create logistical problems. “Wait until you get your official paperwork (court papers, marriage certificate, divorce decree) in hand before starting to change your name broadly—you’ll save a lot of time this way,” says Stayner.

Do I need to change my name in court?

Not all states require that you file your name change in court, but some states do . In California, for example, you can technically choose a new name and start using it consistently under the state’s usage method. But realistically, you might still need a court order to show as proof of your name change to banks, the SSA, or the DMV because these organizations are wary of identity theft. Some states also require that you advertise your new name by publishing it in a newspaper. No matter where you live, do your research (your state government’s website is a good place to start) to make sure you’re following your state’s protocol.

How to change your name after marriage?

In order for an adult to request a name change for themselves, they must submit a Petition for Name Change to their parish court with the accompanying fee. However, if an individual wishes to adopt their spouse’s surname after marriage, they need only file their marriage license with their parish minister. Furthermore, women who wish to revert ...

Who makes the final decision on a name change petition?

Once the District Attorney has made and filed their decision regarding the petition, the judge who has been assigned to the case will have to make the final decision. If there is to be a public hearing for making this decision, the Clerk of Court will inform the interested parties. If the judge approves the Petition for Name Change, they will sign the “Judgement” which can then be stamped by the Court Clerk.

How old do you have to be to change your name in Louisiana?

Louisiana residents who are the age of majority (eighteen (18) years of age or older) can change their name by petitioning their parish’s district court. However, incarcerated residents are not permitted to change their name until they have served their sentence in full.

What is a minor in Louisiana?

In Louisiana, a minor is defined as anyone who is under the age of eighteen (18). Both of the minor’s parents, or their tutor, must be Louisiana residents in order request that the minor’s name be changed. A tutor is defined as someone who has been appointed as the minor’s acting guardian.

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Step 1 – Clerk of Court

  • The very first step in the process of changing your name starts by going to your local county clerks office. There you will find out if you need a lawyer for the process but typically your county clerks office will give you information pertaining to self-help so you can do the name change on your own without hiring a lawyer. Each state has their own procedure so it’s important to go to y…
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Step 2 – File A Petition For A Change of Name

  • A Petition for a Change of Name formmust be completed. It’s the primary document used in order to submit your name change request. This document can be mailed or submitted online depending on your state. Once the form and other documents are completed, go to your local county clerks office to have them reviewed. This can save a lot of time and trouble if you made …
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Step 3 – Set A Court Date

  • Once the petition is filed with the county clerk, they will issue you a court date which will allow you to present the reason(s) for changing your name. Typically the court will issue the court date in 4-6 weeks from submitting your petition. It may seem like a long wait for a rather simple court hearing. However in most cases, there will be actions that you must complete before the court h…
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Step 4 – Publishing Your New Name

  • One very common thing that most states require is the requirement to make a publication in your local newspaper of the new name change. It’s always a good idea to call your local newspaper and ask the cost of publication. Making certain that you have enough money to cover the court filing fees and newspaper publication costs is imperative. If required, your state will give you the …
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Step 5 – Sign Decree at Court Hearing

  • Bring all documents to your court hearing. Arrive early and do not be late. It’s your responsibility to find the correct court room if you do not have an attorney helping you through the process. If the judge approves your application, a decree will be signed which is the most important document because it allows you to change your name on all the most sensitive documents including your …
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Step 1 – Apply For A Marriage License

  • Go to or contact the local county recorder’s officein the county you plan to do the marriage ceremony and/or apply for the marriage license. A marriage license must be issued before a marriage ceremony takes place. The county recorder’s office is the only place you can apply for a marriage certificate. After applying for a marriage certificate, the County Clerk will then issue yo…
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Step 2 – Setup A Marriage Ceremony

  • A Marriage Ceremony is inexpensive when done by the state. Most states charge between $25-$60 dollars when performed by a Marriage Officiant. A Marriage Ceremony must be done within 30 days to 90 days, depending on the state, from the marriage license date of issuance. Where?– When a marriage ceremony is done by the state, it’s typically performed in the county clerk’s offi…
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Step 3 – Request Certified Copy

  • Request a certified copy of your original marriage license. It comes at a fee but it’s a must have if you wish to change your name on sensitive documents such as IDs and bank cards.
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