Name changing/modification procedures.... do you know?

Question

I would like to officially add a middle name to my existing name. Would someone please tell me the step by step procedures involved and an idea of costs involved. I am looking to do this without the assistance of an attorney.

Thank you!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 1

The costs are minimal. Have an attorney file the paper in the local court for the change of name. Then ordinarily you have to publish (publicize) what you are doing in the local paper for 3 times (once a week for 3 weeks). Next there will be a hearing in the presence of a judge, and the decision will be granted. One factor will be how long you have been known with the new name (middle name included).

Answer 2

You probably should NOT do this without the assistance of an attorney.

1) Unless you tell us what state you are in, it will be very difficult for anyone here to tell you the "step by step" procedures. Each state has different procedures that you must follow, precisely, to accomplish what you are wanting.

2) In general, you will have to file a petition requesting change of name in the appropriate court in your state. You must make certain allegations in that petition. Which court you file the petition in will depend on which court has jursidction, according to the laws of your state.

3) You must then, (usually, but again, it depends) publish a notice that you are doing so. How long the notice must be published, and where it must be published varies from state to state.

4) The court will then set a hearing, (if you have followed the correct procedures) and if you can articulate yourself properly, will grant the name change. The court will then issue a decree, (which YOU must have drafted and provide to the court.

As you can see, its not at all simple. You should find an attorney who can handle this for you, and there is no reason for it to be horribly expensive. If you don't know an attorney, contact your local or state bar association for a referral

Answer 3

This depends entirely on where you live, so you should probably state that in your question. Then you have a chance of getting a useful answer.

Some states have the cumbersome processes described by PhilR above. Some, however, like Hawaii, have an inexpensive administrative procedure through the Lt.Governor's office that doesn't require an attorney and is effective upon a single publication. Total cost should be less that $250.00 for most people, including publication costs.