How do you LEGALLY CHANGE your LAST NAME?

Question

what steps do you take to chnage your last name legally.. im over 18 and wanna change my last name to my mothers last name.. all i know is it takes a trip to the courthouse and a fee.. does anybody know EXACTLY what you have to do and how much it cost

IVE NEVER BEEN MARRIED I JUST CANT STAND MY DADS LAST NAME

Answer 1

Depends on where you live. In New York it cost me a total of $380 to change my name about 5 years ago. That includes court fees and getting the new name published in the law journal (required).

Also, it will take few trips to get this done:

1) You have to go to court, pick up forms to fill out. You can do them there, but there are multiple pages so you might opt to complete them at home and return.
2) You have to return and see a judge with your completed forms and explain in person why you want to change your name.
3) You have to wait about a week or two to pickup the signed and sealed name change document.
4) You have to take the official document to the law journal to have it published.

Ouch!

Answer 2

Have you talked to your mom. Since you are over 18 and she's familiar with how the courts work, she may be your best bet at getting any of the foot work done. It takes a lot of time, effort and money. Just waiting in line at the SSO takes all day and they are always backlogged. The card alone will take a couple of months to be mailed to you.

Answer 3

Start by visiting your nearest social security office with the necessary documents. Call in advance, so you know which ones are needed. You don't need any courthouse and you don't need a lawyer.
There are forms on the net by looking at a search. They can give you a checklist.

Answer 4

Once you go to court and are granted the name change you have to change the name on your social security card, your driver's license, any medical or dental records you have. Your birth certificate will change, your will have to change your last name on your W4 and with your employer. You will have to change your last name on your bank account and any credit cards/loans you have. All of your education records will have to be changed to reflect your name change. All it will cost is court fees which are probably "nominal" the rest don't cost a thing...except for time. Oh yeah and if your parents are divorced your name will have to be changed on THEIR divorce papers as well...ANYTHING that is a legal document with your former last name on it will have to be changed.

Answer 5

In my county it costs 120$ You fill out a form and get a court date. Must have Bc,SS, DL. Theres a waiting period after

Answer 6

Contact your local courthouse and they can tell you who you need to speak to and what forms need to be filed.

Answer 7

Get over it.