i want to get a full name change but i'm not sure where to go about doing it. i live in maryland in case that's helpful. no i'm not trying to hide from creditors or anything, more personal reasons. thanks =)
2006-10-23 00:54:35 · 63 answers · asked by Kismet 7 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
1. decide what name that u really want 2 b called 4 the rest of ur life
2. go to the local court house
3. b ready 2 pay a fee
4. enjoy ur new name
2006-10-23 12:50:09 · answer #1 · answered by LCC 4 · 2⤊ 3⤋
Don't hire a lawyer because that's a waste of money. I changed my last name in 2002 and it was a real simple process. I went to the courthouse, filled out a simple form and then waited to see the judge. It cost me $60 to file and I think $5 for each certified copy I needed. The judge asked me why I wanted to change my name and that was it. I then went to the local DMV and got my new license and then had to go to the Social Security Office and request a new card with my new name. This does not however change what you owe as far as credit or set you free from legal problems as some might assume. For a while it actually confuses people and it's hard to get a credit card because they think some kind of fraud is going on. That's how it was for me anyway. I hope this helps.
2006-10-23 15:03:06 · answer #2 · answered by redsoxxfan 1 · 4⤊ 2⤋
I changed my last name and added a middle name. I live in California and I did it by the usage method. I just started with the most important document change, I can't remember but it may have been my Soc Sec card. After I had that it verified my name and I went elsewhere like the DMV and changed it everywhere. Because time has gone by it is legal, just not on file at the Courthouse. It actually was pretty easy for me. I did it almost 10 years ago. You can also do it using the Court method, turn in forms, put a notice in the paper, etc.
2006-10-24 08:46:59 · answer #3 · answered by Goldenrain 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
sometimes you can find the correct forms at like Office Depot and then you fill them out, file them with the courts, you will get a court date before the judge and he will ask you some questions about why you want the name change. To make sure your doing it for the right reasons, you will have to swear that it is not for fraudulent reasons and then the judge will grant your request.
Usually it is pretty easy to do. The court fees are different in each state so call the county clerk and ask if they can give you some prices.
Hope this helps.
2006-10-24 04:29:00 · answer #4 · answered by ETxYellowRose 5 · 2⤊ 2⤋
My husband just changed his name....you go to the court and file a petition to change your name. Search on google and you can find an example. Then you have to publish it in a newspaper (depending on where you live decides how long) for a few weeks. Once you have had it published and people have had a chance to object to it, you will have a hearing. If it's just for personal reasons the judge will approve it. Then you apply for a new SS card and then a new state ID or driver's licence. My husband even got his birth certificate changed.
2006-10-24 07:55:37 · answer #5 · answered by Amanda SSS 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
1. Check out your county courthouse for their paperwork needed. Usually it's just 1 form, and your county law library has the form. You must do your own research.
2. You must research the name, as it cannot belong to anyone else.....and that's in all 50 states. So, try to pick a name that perhaps was in your family, generations ago.....maiden names of grandma and such..
3. Good luck, and I did this in Pennsylvania after I was divorced and went back to my maiden name.
4. Very happy that I did that in 1997, but all your phone company, utility company, credit cards, and don't forget your Social Security CARD must be changed at the Social Security Administration by legal filing.
5. You must change even your credit report...and there are 3 credit agencies.
6. Be careful as you put your new name out there, you're making it easier for identity theft.
2006-10-24 07:57:08 · answer #6 · answered by May I help You? 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋
In most places, it's just a simple document you file with the local courthouse. You may have to go in front of a judge, but that's usually just a technicality (in my jurisdiction you do, ostensibly to explain your reason for the name change... mine was done in the process of a divorce and the judge basically said, "Honey, you can have any name you want" and signed my document.) There'll be a filing fee as well and maybe also a recording fee.
2006-10-24 07:22:57 · answer #7 · answered by mockingbird 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
You don't need a lawyer, and the Social Security office has nothing to do with it unless you want to change your s.s. number too(which is very expensive, and you have to have a good reason). Got to your courthouse and they will give you a paper to fill out and you pay them a fee, $10-$100 depending on your state. You have to notify the newspaper of your intent to change your name and come back with proof and they will set a date for you to got before a probate judge with your request. I'm in Ohio and it was $80 for me. I got mine changed last year. Good Luck !!
These might help too:
http://www.uslegalforms.com/changeofname/maryland-name-change.htm
http://www.namechangelaw.com/MD/flc.htm
(not sure if those are official sites so check with your local probate court clerk to be sure)
2006-10-23 09:04:29 · answer #8 · answered by DeAnna 5 · 8⤊ 1⤋
If you're in America, call the courthouse first to find out exactly where to go at the courthouse to pick up a packet of information so that you can do the name change by yourself (without an attorney). There might be a small fee for the forms. You fill out the forms, send them in with a specified fee and request a date for your hearing. On the date of the hearing you will be called in front of a judge and sworn in to tell the truth, tell him the reasons for your name change. The judge will ask you some questions, and will either grant your request or not.
It would be good (for yourself) that you make a list of everything your name is on at the present time so that you can change it all over to your new name when the judge approves it. You know, your new name will need to be changed on your birth certificate, marriage certificate (if you're married), social security card, on your credit report, drivers license, car insurance, car tags, on your resume, residential address with the post office, on all your bills (utilities, credit cards), taxes, with your employer and health insurance, passport, on any certificates or degrees you've earned, banking accounts, etc. It's a real mess getting people to change things and you'll need to send them proof from the court, plus your picture and ID when you ask. Once your name is changed you can no longer write your old name on anything (by law) so you won't be allowed to use your name on your checking account so you'll need to get over there and change it immediately, same for your drivers license.
2006-10-23 14:40:27 · answer #9 · answered by sophieb 7 · 4⤊ 3⤋
Every state is different. In California, you must file a Petition at the local courthouse, publish a notice in the paper for several weeks, and then go to Court to talk to the Judge. You must then take the Court order to Social Security & DMV.
If you want to change your birth certificate, there are more forms from the Dept. of Vital Statistics to complete.
2006-10-23 09:45:28 · answer #10 · answered by gauchogirl 5 · 7⤊ 2⤋
You need to go to your county court house, file the paperwork, pay the fee and wait to get an appointment with a judge. The judge will need to approve your name change, at which case, you will be given the proper paperwork, and can go about getting your name changed on all official documents, accounts, etc.
2006-10-23 08:38:26 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋