I did the same thing - had my last name changed though I wasn't getting married.
The process depends on the state that you live in. In a handful of states, all you have to do is "declare" your name changed, and then you can start changing all of your documentation. In most of the states, however, there is a specific process. Look online for the legal requirements of your state... also, when you go to the courthouse to get the required paperwork, the people that work there should be able to tell you specifically what you need to do.
In New York (the state in which I changed my name) - you have to file paperwork; a judge has to then approve your reason for changing your name. The reason I wrote down was "disatisfaction with current name." Then, you have to publish notice in a specific legal paper within a certain amount of time.
Because so many people change their names when they get married... getting new credit cards, passport, social security card, drivers license, etc due to name change is very easy. You just tell them you've changed your name and need new documentation. Then, you show them your court paperwork, and they will send you the new documents. This is a VERY commonplace process for them, and you do not need to have a LAWYER do it for you (unless you want to have one).
Oh yes - and if this is what you really want to do - don't let anyone discourage you, and don't ever feel like you have to give a long explanation (or any explanation) as to why you are changing your own name. I have to tell you, since very few people do this... it is a VERY liberating experience! It's like being born again - starting a brand-new life - a life that you have given yourself. They say that in life, we don't choose the families that we are born into, we can only choose our friends... I think, too, that we can choose who we want to be, our own identity, and what we stand for. Best of Luck.
2006-07-30 03:48:23
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answer #1
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answered by Sahara 4
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In the United States you can use any name that you like, so long as it is not for the purpose to defraud others.
If you want to have your name LEGALLY changed (which will mean a change on the Social Security Account, driver's license, bank accounts, stock portfolio, and other legal documents, including a reissued birth certificate, which will have an effect on your passport, etc.) it is best to have a lawyer (or a paralegal, depending on where you live) handle the details for you.
If none of the above concerns you, just follow the advice that others have already given you.
2006-07-30 03:46:02
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answer #2
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answered by Goethe 4
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i'm doing an identical proper element in the present day. My daughter is 16 months previous and my fiance and that i have become married in october. he's not her organic and organic father yet we were mutually considering that i develop into pregnant. and her organic and organic father has no longer something to do such as her and hasn't ever considered her. he did not signal the start certificate an lawyer instructed me that we may be able to bypass to the position we were given her start certificate and tell them "the daddy needs to signal the start certificate" and he will, which will make him legally her father. it really is not any longer an identical as adopting her even if. if he wanted to undertake her, all we ought to do is administered it in the legals of the records paper for 30 days and if her organic and organic father responds to it and doesnt choose him to undertake her then he has to pay for a criminal specialist and paternaity attempt and strive against it and all that - which isnt going to happen. yet after my fiance signs and indicators her start certificate and we are married then she is ligitimized and it takes ALOT to undo that even if the organic and organic father trys to come back into her existence. if the organic and organic father has no longer signed the start certificate he's not ligitimized and has no rights. in Georgia, even if he does signal and also you and him aren't any further married...he nonetheless has no rights and is not any longer "legally" the daddy. so merely bypass to the start certificate position and enable him signal and be done with it. then substitute her call on the social safe practices card and she is his!
2016-11-26 23:36:59
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answer #3
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answered by Anonymous
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I changed my last name w/o getting married (new maiden name).Depends on where your at.College towns are diff & more $ than little towns ususally, ex. Nash,NH it's $25 & Kalamazoo, MI it's $125 for poor folks!Sometimes you must post in local paper the change...& be a resident. Check out your Probate Ct. rules for it in your area. It's diff for children than adults too...
2006-07-30 03:45:43
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answer #4
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answered by Anonymous
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as long as you are 18 or older depends on your states laws go to the records division at the courthouse and request the paperwork to change your name it is not that cheap though so you know
2006-07-30 04:05:39
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answer #5
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answered by karlyk721 3
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I think you go to the courthouse and get the paperwork. Then you have it filed with the clerk and registered.
2006-07-30 03:40:04
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answer #6
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answered by Anonymous
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You go to the city hall and they will give you all of the information and forms.
2006-07-30 03:40:06
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answer #7
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answered by nastaany1 7
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Don't. Stay family proud.
2006-07-30 03:40:10
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answer #8
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answered by Rice 2
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Consult a lawyer, he knows it better.
2006-07-30 03:44:15
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answer #9
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answered by Sam X9 5
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