why hire an attorney to name change

Consulting with a lawyer regarding any significant legal matter such as a name change is always advisable. Because of the complexity of some name change documents, it may be advantageous to consult an attorney to explain the full effects of the name change. A lawyer can also help you through the legal process of changing a name.

Full Answer

Why should I hire a family lawyer to change my name?

Aug 26, 2021 · In most counties in California, getting your name changed might cost you around $495 in court fess, in addition to other expenses such as publishing fees, getting forms notarized and/or making additional copies of your documents. Do your research: Laws regarding name changes vary across states.

Why do people change their legal names?

A legal name change is the formal changing of an individual’s name, by court order, from the name stated on his or her birth certificate, to another name of his or her choosing. ... There may be additional fees for notary services and court runner fees if you are doing the name change yourself. If you hire an attorney, usually the total fees ...

Can I change my name without a lawyer?

To change your name, file a petition with your county’s Supreme Court, including: Current legal name. Desired name. Current residence address, and all residences since birth. Biological parents' names. All family members' names. Current occupation, and all employment positions held over the past 5 years (including addresses)

Why would a person be denied a name change?

Unless you qualify to change your name as part of another legal proceeding, such as a divorce, the fees may run as high as $500. (twice as much if you hire a lawyer to do the job.) 8. One-stop shopping. If you're changing genders, some states allow you to change the sex on your birth certificate at the same time you change your name. 9.

What is a good reason to change your name?

Change your name to honor your heritage, ethnicity or for religious reasons; and. Change your name to honor a step-parent or other person that has been special in your life; and, Create a new last name for both you and your spouse by hyphenating your surnames.Feb 11, 2016

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 difficult is it 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.Dec 31, 2021

What can you not change your name to?

You cannot change your name to avoid legal judgments, debts, or obligations; to defraud someone else; or to hide from the law or police.

How much does it cost to legally change your name?

It costs around $170 to change your name (or around $55 for a child under two years of age). You have to fill out an application form and sign the statutory declaration that is part of the form in front of a lawyer, Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages, Justice of the Peace (JP) or another authorised official.Sep 12, 2019

Who to tell when you change your name?

The police: If you have a criminal record the police will also need to be notified of your new name. Insurance providers, utility companies, local councils and the electoral roll should also be notified of any change.Dec 15, 2017

How many times can you legally change your name?

So long as each change of name you do is a genuine change of name, there's no limit to the number of times you can change your name.

How long does it take to legally 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 documents do you need to change your name?

2. Update Your Social Security CardProof of citizenship: your valid passport or a certified copy of your birth certificate.Proof of name change: a certified copy of your marriage license. ... Proof of identity: This must show your name and date of birth or age, and it must have a recent photograph.More items...•Dec 17, 2020

Can you get rid of your last name?

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

Can I legally use a shortened version of my name?

NO. There is no such law. I would advise that you use your legal name on any and all legal documents and use your nickname in all other...

Can you change your age?

You can't change your age, it changes all by itself.

Need a Divorce Attorney in NYC?

Divorce brings many changes. One of these, commonly undertaken by women wish to use their maiden name again, is a legal name change. While you almost always retain the right to change your name, people most often undergo this process in connection with big life changes such as marriage, adoption , divorce, and estrangement from family.

The Name Change Process

The name change process should be completed accurately and with proper legal procedures to ensure that no delays occur. Working with a NYC divorce attorney can make the name change process efficient and prompt. Consult our firm to start this process as soon as possible.

Can I change my name without a lawyer?

1. 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.

Can you change your name for a fraudulent purpose?

There are only a few restrictions: Don't change your name for a fraudulent purpose. Don't take a famous person's name. Stay away from names that are overtly offensive. Copyrighted or trademarked names are also off limits—so sorry, you can't be harry potter.

1 attorney answer

Iam a NJ lawyer not a NM one, but in most states, the father must give explicit permission to have the name changed, You can motion the court for the change (make sure the father gets a copy of the motion papers).

Ronald Anthony Sarno

Iam a NJ lawyer not a NM one, but in most states, the father must give explicit permission to have the name changed, You can motion the court for the change (make sure the father gets a copy of the motion papers).

Why do people change their names?

1. Dislike Current Name. A name change request can come about simply because a person doesn't like his or her name as given at birth.

Can I change my name after divorce?

Changing Name Following Divorce. If a woman has taken her husband's name upon marriage, she may decide to reclaim her maiden name upon separation or divorce or take on an entirely new name. Some states may provide an easy way to do revert to a maiden name, so be sure to check your state's laws. 3.

Can a husband take his wife's name?

Husband Taking Wife's Name Upon Marriage. It's becoming increasingly popular for a husband to take his wife's surname, but the process is streamlined in only California, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New York, and North Dakota.

Can a mother change her child's name?

In the case of an absent father, a mother may wish to have a child's surname changed to hers. On the flip side, if a formerly absent father is now in the picture, a name change to the father's surname may also be desired.

Can a transgender person change their name?

Transgender people often request name changes to reflect gender. Names can be changed to simply the masculine or feminine form of the current name or can be new names altogether.

Can same sex couples legally marry?

Although same-sex partners may not be allowed to legally marry in all states, they can choose to share a surname, which can be particularly convenient in financial or legal transactions.