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What does a court ordered name change entail?

Petitioning and publishing are the two basic steps you’ll need to take in order to have a court issue a decree that orders your official name change. Petitioning means filling out the appropriate form or forms and filing them (paying the required fee) in the court that claims jurisdiction (normally, the one nearest or that services the area of your residence). In nearly every state the petitioner or person legally overseeing the name change process is required to publish notice in a local newspaper of the intended name change. You may also be required to give notice to specific individuals or organizations that have an interest in your name change. If someone objects to your new name, you may have to appear in court to show cause as to why you are entitled to your new name.

Will it affect any benefits to which I’m entitled?

No. Your benefits —alimony, child support, Social Security payments, disability benefits— are yours. You are entitled to them regardless of what you choose to call yourself legally. Only a name change due to marriage may affect your Social Security benefits. However, in this instance it’s getting married that is the determining factor and not the name change.

If you are an adult who has been disabled since childhood, these types of benefits generally stop once you get married. There are some circumstances in which your benefits may be protected if you marry. Please see our section J above, Converting to Your Married Name

Since the rules are different for different situations, you should consult a Social Security representative for the impact that marriage may have on any benefits you are currently receiving. Whatever situation is applicable, you will need to inform all appropriate authorities of your new name, in writing and usually with a certified copy of your name change decree.

What is legally required for me to change my name?

Residency, jurisdiction and legal grounds are the determining factors when filing to change your name. The residency requirement entails your living in the area in which you intend to file your name change petition for at least six months prior to filing your petition. Jurisdiction means that your petition must be filed within the court district nearest your residence. Having legal grounds means you have good reason to be petitioning for your name change—i.e., that you have undergone gender change, that you have had a religious conversion, that you wish to maintain your identity in business, that your name needs to be shortened, etc. Please see Section D above, Reasons for Changing Your Name.

How is a name change different for a minor vs. adult?

While adults are legally allowed to proceed with a name change on their own, a minor must rely on adult individuals to drive the process. Usually, a minor’s natural parents are responsible for filling out the name change petition and overseeing the name change process when a minor is involved. If only one parent is involved, the consent of the other parent may also be required. There are many instances in which a natural parent may be imprisoned, lives in another state or country or cannot be located at all. In these types of situation, legal custody and parental notice are very important. It’s incumbent on the court to make name change determinations based on the best interests of the applying minor.

What documents are required for changing my name?

Although the exact forms and their titles for the name change process vary from state to state, and even from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, you will always start by filing a Petition for Change of Name. In Los Angeles County, for example, you are also required to file a form entitled Order to Show Cause for Change of Name. This form gives interested parties the opportunity to object to your name change. If anyone objects, then a hearing is set to discuss the objection. Finally, you’ll need a Decree Changing Name, which is the actual order that authorizes your name change and which becomes the official record of your name change.

Where do I file my name change petition?

In most cases you will file your petition in the civil court system presiding over the county and the branch that correlates to the area in which you reside.

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Name Change Overview:

New Name, Same History

If you desire to be known by a name other than the one you were given at birth, or the one which you acquired through marriage or adoption, a name change may be appropriate. Changing your name is a common act recognized throughout the U.S. and one that may be achieved by following the process established by each state’s legal system.

With LegalCPU, you can easily obtain a court-ordered name change that, once granted, allows you to alter your name on all of your formal records. Changing your name legally, through the court system, also assures that your personal identity and history remain connected to your new name.

LegalCPU can help get you started with the name change process, quickly and easily. Simply answer a few questions online or call 866-662-5467 to speak to one of our team members. We’ll fill out all required documentation and send it to you with easy-to-follow filing instructions for your county or state. LegalCPU.com — we get it done right.

Name Change - How it works:

LegalCPU has streamlined the complexities of the name change process in 3 Easy Steps...

  Information:
Start by filling out a precise online questionnaire developed by our staff of legal advisors. Part of the LegalCPU guarantee is that our professionals handle every order personally and that your data remains confidential.
  Preparation:
As soon as we receive your completed questionnaire, we perform a thorough review of your information — including a check for accuracy and to make sure that nothing has been overlooked. We then fill out your Petition for Change of Name, review it, and mail it to you for your signature. For an additional fee, we offer expedited overnight service.
  Completion:
After you receive & sign your petition, you the petitioner must file it with the appropriate court — we’ll advise you as to which court. In the meantime, all you have to do is sit back & let the specialists at LegalCPU take care of everything else.
The reason you must submit your petition yourself, in person, is that many courts do not accept name change petitions by mail. Please note that while the professionals at LegalCPU fill out your petition, we do not authorize your name change or issue your new birth certificate. These are ordered & issued by the court only.

Name Change Prices:

Adult Package : $99

Minor Package : $119

Name Change Education Center:

You can legally change your name by filing a petition with a court and obtaining a court order. read more...
Certain governmental agencies may not accept “common usage” as proof of name change. read more...
The proper reasons for a name change may include: changing your name due to difficult spelling or pronunciation read more...
The legal requirements for filing a name change petition are that one must be a resident of the State and the County where the petition will be filed.read more...
Once the court approves your name change petition, you must notify all governmental and non-governmental agencies such as read more...

FAQs

Legal Name ChangeMore

Answer a few simple questions.

We will prepare all required court forms.

We will mail you the prepared court forms within 24 hours with specific step-by-step instructions on how to file your petition and follow through to legally change your name.

3 Easy Steps

Our Education Center allows you to access the information you need to make informed decisions.

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