why would you need an attorney for a name change

Additionally, a lawyer can also determine whether you will face any restrictions based on the new name you have chosen. If a court has already prohibited you from changing your name, then you may need to hire a lawyer for further legal advice regarding your next steps.

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Why would a person be denied a name change?

Jul 25, 2014 · Selected as best answer. Posted on Jul 29, 2014. Posted on Jul 29, 2014. Although a lawyer can ensure you negotiate your way through an often complicated legal process, a request to change one's name should not be too difficult. Both the probate and chancery courts in Davidson County handle name changes.

Why would a person change their last name after marriage?

Additionally, a lawyer can also determine whether you will face any restrictions based on the new name you have chosen. If a court has already prohibited you from changing your name, then you may need to hire a lawyer for further legal advice regarding your next steps.

Why would someone want to change their name?

Jun 24, 2019 · The name change has to be court-approved and judges look into things like that. Things to Keep in Mind During a Legal Name Change. Once the court approves the name change, it’s not a done deal. It’s a process. A court order may make it easier to change your name on all your documents, but it will still require a lot of leg work from you. Don’t forget to change your …

Is it possible for an adult to change their name?

An individually wanting to change their name legally must petition the court for the permission to do so. The exact court they must file the petition at depends on the state where they reside. In order to file a name change petition, a person needs …

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

What can prevent you from changing your name?

How hard is it to change your name?

What is a legitimate reason to change your name?

What are the consequences of changing your name?

How long does it take to legally change your name?

What documents do you need to change your name?

Is it easy to change your name legally?

Who do I need to notify when I change my name?

How do you get used to a new name?

Can I change my daughters surname without father's consent?

Why is my name change denied?

Another reason a name change petition will be denied is if the person is infringing on another individual’s rights. 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.

Why do people spell their names?

Various other personal reasons, such as religion, politics, or to make it easier to pronounce or to spell a particular name.

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.

Can an adult change their name?

There is a legal process available that makes it possible for an adult to have their name changed. Aside from the obvious reason that an individual does not like their given name, there are many events throughout one’s life that may prompt them to change their name.

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.

Why do you change your name when you are a child?

Whether you want to cut ties with your family of origin because of abuse or a falling out , or you want to take your stepfather’s surname but your biological father wouldn’t permit it when you were a child, changing your name gives you the freedom to be who you want to be.

How to change your name on your passport?

Once the court approves the name change, it’s not a done deal. It’s a process. A court order may make it easier to change your name on all your documents, but it will still require a lot of leg work from you. Don’t forget to change your name in these places: 1 On your government ID 2 On your passport 3 On your Social Security Card 4 With all government and financial institutions (IRS, banks, financial planner, mutual funds, etc.) 5 Anywhere your name is on a contract (lease, mortgage, employer, etc.)

Why did Katy Perry change her name?

Simplifying a spelling or pronunciation often makes it easier for people to recall your name. Such was the case for Jennifer Aniston who was born Jennifer Anastassakis and for Helen Mirren who was born Ilyena Lydia Vasilievna Mironov. Katy Perry, on the other hand, changed her name from Katheryn Elizabeth Hudson so she wouldn’t be confused with actress Kate Hudson. Regardless, her name change was motivated by simplification.

Can you change your maiden name after divorce?

When you divorce the spouse whose surname you took at the altar, you may very well want your maiden name back. Changing your name after a divorce (especially if you didn’t have children who share the name) cuts ties completely and allows you to move forward with your life.

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

The cost to file a petition to change your name in California is $435. Aside from the money itself, you’ll likely spend a considerable amount of time with paperwork and other details related to legally changing your name.

Can you pick your own name?

While there are a few exceptions when it’s time to choose your new name, you mostly have complete freedom to pick the name you want.

Is it legal to change your name?

From a legal perspective, your new name won’t be official until you’ve notified the Social Security Administration, Department of Motor Vehicles, IRS, and other agencies.

Does changing your name affect your credit?

Don’t forget that changing your name may also affect your credit history and any insurance you may have. If you are planning any major life events (overseas travel, moving, buying or selling a home, major surgery, etc.), avoid trying to juggle a legal name change at the same time.

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.

How to change your name on your Social Security card?

You must: Provide proof of your identity Complete and print an Application for a Social Security Card Mail or hand-deliver the application and supporting documentation to your local Social Security office Once the application is processed, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will issue you a new Social Security card under your new name. Please note that your Social Security number will not change.

Can you change your name for political reasons?

Although some may consider it extreme to change your name to support a cause, name changes for political reasons are not unheard of. In the past 10 years, Christopher Garnett became KentuckyFriedCruelty.com, Brandi Valladolid became RinglingBeatsAnimals.com, and Marvin Richardson legally changed his full name to Pro-Life.

Can same sex couples share a surname?

9. Same-Sex Partners Sharing Surname. 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.

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 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 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.

What is the legal name change?

Generally, (d) when a minor is involved, the court looks to the best interest of the minor.

What records do I need to change after I change my name?

After you have changed your name you may need to change records including: (a) Social Security Card, (b) Drivers License, (c) Passport, (d) Post Office, (e) IRS, (f) Voter Registration, (g) Banks, (h) Credit Cards, (i) Doctors (j) Insurance Companies, (k) State Tax Authority, (l) Clubs, (m) Memberships, (n) Employer and (o) Retirement plans. You will also need to consider changing your (a) Will, (b) Health Care Proxy, (c) Living Will, (d) Trust, (e) Power of Attorney and (f) Contracts.

How to change your name in court?

Wait for your court date to arrive if you will appear in person. Most states require a brief court appearance where the judge will confirm you are requesting the name change and your request is not for any fraudulent reason. Following the hearing, the judge will sign your order. Before leaving the courthouse, purchase three additional legal copies of the order.

Where to update driver's license?

Take the order to your local Drivers License office and Social Security office to update your legal information. Additionally, send copies of the order to your creditors and other business contacts to update your new name in their records.

Can you change your name if you have been convicted of a felony?

Some states will not allow a name change if you have been convicted of a felony. Some states require a fingerprint criminal history record. You must read and follow the steps outlined by your states law.

Do you have to appear before a judge?

Some states do not require an appearance before the judge and will mail you the signed order. In some states, they will allow you to have a brief court appearance the same day your turn in your forms if the schedule allows. Some states do not require an appearance before the judge and will mail you the signed order.

Can I change my last name in Cincinnati?

How to Change Last Name at Cincinnati Clerk of Courts. A legal name change does not require an attorney and can be completed by yourself. You must follow some guidelines, such as, you cannot change your name to a famous person, you cannot change your name to avoid legal issues and you cannot change your name to one that is demeaning ...

Why do people change their names?

Adults, for themselves or their children, often want to change one or more names to better reflect their beliefs. Some people take on a name when pursuing a career, a personal goal or faith, then want to make that name legally their own as they go into their future.

Why do people hate their legal name?

Sometimes a person wants to honor someone important in their upbringing. A person might hate their legal name because of very bad childhood associations. Some people want to restore a family name important in their heritage. 2. Uniformity of ID – REAL ID.

How to renew my driver's license?

To get or renew your Driver’s License, you have to prove your Legal Name and have it match your name at Social Security. When getting a job (and getting paid), you have to prove your Legal Name as the one you use.

Can a child's last name be changed?

A child’s first middle or last name can be legally changed, or the entire name can be changed. There are many, but here are some good reasons to change a minor child’s last name, or any other part too. Parents might change their mind about a newborn’s name after turning in the baby’s birth names. Your child might have a nickname ...

Can a parent change their child's name?

Parents might change their mind about a newborn’s name after turning in the baby’s birth names. Your child might have a nickname that you all want instead of the legal name. Ofter, as parents marry, divorce or pass away, a child might need a different family name. The name a child carries into adulthood can matter a lot.

Is it easy to change your name?

Most everyone who wants or needs legal name change waits to do it. That’s because it’s not simple or free . But you can definitely do it and you can get licensed, 5-Star rated help from a service, if you want.There’s a lot of paperwork and processes to get right. Fortunately, you can click and read the details about about how to change your name correctly

How to change your name without a lawyer?

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 your local county clerks office to gather this information.

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.

What document is used to change your name?

Original Name Change Document – Such as a Marriage License, Divorce Decree, or Certificate signed by the Judge.

What is the most important document to change your name on?

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 passport, driver’s license, birth certificate and social security card.

Why do you need to make copies of petitions?

Knowledge Tip: The reason for making copies is because you will need to provide a copy of the petition for a change of name form when publishing your new name in the newspaper. Look at Step 4 for more information.

How long does it take to change your name?

At a minimum, it will take about 6 weeks from start to finish. Depending on the state, the process to change your name could take anywhere from 6 months to 12 months. For example, in Florida it’s required that you must have your fingerprints submitted to the Department of Law Enforcement for a criminal records check and you cannot request a petition to change your name until the court receives the results. It’s these types of requirements that can slow down the process to change your 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.