Generally speaking, you have the legal right to change your name to anything you like, while state marriage rules may give some further legal assistance in this regard. A petitioner who is above the age of 18 must also provide official proof that he or she has no pending judgments against him. There are a few exceptions because your name change will be denied in some situations.
If you submit an application for a Name Change that is likely to create injury, confusion, fraud, or other issues, you may be refused. If you try to conduct a crime under a different name, you may be rejected as well. Also, if you want to change your name using the name of a famous person, it will not be acceptable. Please don’t use a Name Change in order to attempt to get away with anything, whether it’s illegal or civil. It would also be a significant issue.
How to change your name: Process and Requirements
This is a frequently asked question, how to change your name, and is it easy to change your name? Changing your name legally, whether for marriage, separation or other reasons, is a significant life event. Every state has its own set of requirements, so make sure you follow them to the letter, including completing the legal name change petition well with the right government agency. Let’s take a look at how to change your name:
Ø You must petition for a change of name to permanently change your name legally by completing a name change form. You can also petition to demonstrate the reason for changing your name legally, and you can petition to have your name officially changed.
Ø Take this paperwork to the court clerk’s office and file them there, together with the filing costs necessary by your state.
Ø In the majority of circumstances, a court or magistrate will check your paperwork and give you permission to alter your name.
Ø It is necessary to make a more official announcement before you may use your new name in certain states, which can be accomplished by simply putting a statement in the local newspaper.
Ø Make use of your new name and change your official documents as well as legal documents to show your new name.
How old do you have to be to change your name?
People of any age can legally change their name. However, the process may change slightly depending on the age. For example, if a person under the age of 18 wants to change his / her name, then he/she must have consent from parents. However, a person over the age of 18 is considered an adult, and adult individuals do not require parental consent to change his or her name.
What are the benefits of changing your name?
Changing your name legally might have a number of advantages. First and foremost, it may provide you with a new start. A legal name change may be quite powerful, whether you wish to put a terrible past behind you, avoid the attention and interest of a stalker, or start fresh at a new period in your life.
There are several benefits to changing your legal name. If you really have such a kind of name that you find humiliating or that attracts the wrong type of attention, altering it might save you a lot of time and effort. You may select whatever name you like, as long as it’s not vulgar or violates trademark laws.
If you want to stand out in a crowd, switching from a common to a distinctive look could be a good idea. If you’d like not to get the same one like anyone, you may switch to something else that better fits you.
Another typical benefit for the change is if you are newlywed and want the last name to reflect your partner’s. While every connection is unique, many spouses believe that discussing this information improves a marriage’s unity. Some spouses, on the other hand, may opt to hyphenate it.
Final Thought
People legally change their names for a number of reasons. The procedure of changing your name often consists of filing a petition to have your name changed and then going by your new name. To fill petition, you will need to pay the filing fee. This cost is mainly dependent on which state you live in.
James A. Rider has been writing about savings and finance since 2016 and analyzes thousands of products to find you the best deal. He will help you save money while you shop. They cover huge products including home, garden, car, business, tech, and many more for making the best financial decision.
