How do I change my name?

Steps to Legally Change Your Name

1. Petition to change your name by filling out a name change form, an order to show cause for legally changing your name, and a decree to legally change your name.
2. Take these forms to the court clerk and file them along with your state’s required filing fees.

Keeping this in consideration, How do you change your name after you’re married?

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.

Secondly Can you use a different name without legally changing it? In California you can legally change your gender with or without a name change. In this case, you do not need a court order unless you want one.

Is it difficult to change your last 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.

Can you change your last name for no reason?

1. You can name yourself anything, with a few exceptions. If you don’t like your birth name, you can legally change it to whatever you want … with a few exceptions. … You also can’t change your name to commit fraud, evade law enforcement, or avoid paying any debts you owe.

How much does it cost to get your name changed on your Social Security card?

If you legally change your name because of marriage, divorce, court order or any other reason, you must tell Social Security so you can get a corrected card. You cannot apply for a card online. There is no charge for a Social Security card. This service is free.

Do I have to change my name professionally?

Keep your surname.

If you’re both keeping your last names, there’s no need to stress about updating personal, legal, and financial documents. Pros: You don’t have to go through the name change process and it won’t affect you professionally.

How can I legally use a different name?

In California the “usage method” (changing the name at will under common law) is sufficient to change the name. Not all jurisdictions require that the new name be used exclusively. Any fraudulent use or intent, such as changing the name to the same name as another person’s name, may invalidate this type of name change.

How much work is it to change your last name?

It’s not cheap to change your name.

According to LegalZoom, you should be ready to spend at least $100 to $150 to file a name change petition in court, plus additional fees to have your forms notarized.

Is it possible to change your last name?

Note: In California, you generally have the legal right to change your name simply by using a new name in all aspects of your life, also known as the “usage method.” BUT, with few exceptions, government agencies require a court order as official proof of a name change so getting a court order is the best way to make …

Is it normal to change your name?

You don’t need to have any kind of valid reason to change your name, so long as it is not for any fraudulent purpose, such as avoiding paying a debt or fulfilling an obligation — you are free to change your name at any time. However typical reasons people change their name are: … because you dislike your current name.

Why would a name change be denied?

Reasons a Judge Will Deny Name Change

If a Name Change is likely to cause harm, confusion, fraud, etc., you may get denied. … A Judge will deny a petition to change a child’s name if the Judge believes Granting the Name Change would not be in the best interest of the child. This kind of denial is very rare.

Why would someone change their last name?

A name change request can come about simply because a person doesn’t like his or her name as given at birth. … In this same vein, people with names that could be embarrassing, especially if mispronounced or misspelled, may also seek name changes.

Can I change my full name?

If you want to change your legal name, you need state-sanctioned proof of your birth name, such as a birth certificate, and proof of residence in your state. You will then fill out a series of forms and explain why the court should grant you this change.

What documents are needed to change name at Social Security?

Documents Social Security may accept to prove a legal name change include:

• Marriage document;
• Divorce decree;
• Certificate of Naturalization showing the new name; or.
• Court order approving the name change.

How long does it take to change name on Social Security card?

Individuals often ask, how long does it take to change your name on a Social Security card? The answer depends on the backlog at the SSA. Normally, it takes two to six weeks for the SSA to mail your new card, along with returning any supporting documentation. For this reason, don’t wait to initiate the process.

Does it matter which Social Security office I go to?

Hi, The official Social Security policy is that you can receive service from any office that you choose to visit(https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0200904064).

Can I keep my maiden name and married name?

This is one of the most popular name change trends today, as women can take their spouse’s last name but still keep their maiden name. … This can be done in all states except California (unless you list your maiden as your middle name on your marriage license), Ohio, New Jersey, and Washington.

When you marry Do you have to change your name?

When you marry, you are free to keep your own name or take your husband’s name without a court-ordered name change. The same is true whether you’re in a same-sex or opposite-sex marriage. In most states, your spouse can adopt your name, instead, if that’s what you both prefer.

Can I use my maiden name for business?

Some people change their legal name, but continue to use their maiden name after marriage. … You also may be able to obtain authorization to do business as your new name without changing documents—this is called a “doing business as” approval, or DBA.

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.

Can you have different names?

Yes. Usually a person can adopt any name desired for any reason. As of 2009, 46 states allow a person legally to change names by usage alone, with no paperwork, but a court order may be required for many institutions (such as banks or government institutions) to officially accept the change.

How do I change my first and last name?

The process to legally change your name is the same whether you want to change your first or last name. Although the steps vary by state, almost every state requires you to file a petition with the county court where you live, seeking the court’s permission for your proposed change.

Does It Cost to Change name On Social Security card?

If you legally change your name because of marriage, divorce, court order or any other reason, you must tell Social Security so you can get a corrected card. … There is no charge for a Social Security card. This service is free.

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.

Can I change my last name to my boyfriend without getting married?

If you’d like to take your unmarried partner’s last name, you can do so with a court order, but you’ll need to follow your state’s guidelines and restrictions. State rules may vary, but these are the most common: … you may not change your name to escape your debts or other liabilities, and.