I hate to think its going to cost me money for an attorney, and have to take time off from work, just to accomplish this task, but if thats what it takes, then I will do it. I'm divorced. EVERYONE knows me as 'Davison' , but since that name belonged to my husband, and I want my own name ( no going to back to maiden name.. I have been a Davison toooooo long) but if I *tweak* the name just a bit,( change the 'i' to an 'a') ...I now feel that it is my own, yet I don't have to go through the horrid process of explaining / introducing myself with a different name) .... just a few steps to change the spelling on my SS card and my Drivers License and mail.. etc. My problem is... for ONE LETTER... do I really have to go through the whole legal system? Can I file this myself somehow? I live in Nebraska.. many thanks!
2007-09-18 07:36:08 · 21 answers · asked by ~ VaLayna ~ 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
No, you can do it yourself, but you need to change it on all your legal papers & documents such as SS, driver's license, credit cards, mortgages, etc. by informing the proper authorities in writing. It can be a daunting task which is why some people prefer to use an attorney.
2007-09-18 07:43:35 · answer #1 · answered by The Wiz 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Even for one letter you must go through the same legal process as if you changed the name completely.
You can do a name change pro se (without an attorney). You will need to contact the court clerk and ask what the proper procedures are. Generally you petition the court for the name change, a hearing is had where you explain why, and then an order is issued which officially changes your name.
You will need to present the order to your DMV, Social Security Office, Banks, and anywhere else necessary in order to have the change reflected on your driving licence, social security card, etc.
2007-09-18 07:43:33 · answer #2 · answered by Wyoming Rider 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes - a lawyer and go to court. It's for your own protection now and in the future, espescially when you have to file with Social Security for benefits either for disability or retirement. One letter could screw up your whole life. In states like NJ you may some day have to produce legal proof of the name you will be using at that time for renewing your driver's license. EVERYTHING with your name will have to be changed. The IRS could get you for fraud. There is probably someone else out there with the same name that you want to change it to.
2007-09-18 07:42:37 · answer #3 · answered by Pancake 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was told by a professor (who is an attorney in the state of Arizona), that if you want to change your name, all you really have to do is start using the name you want to change it to. After a certain period of time goes by (I can't recall exactly how long, I think a few years), your name will be considered legally changed. That works in Arizona, I don't know if Nebraska is a common law state or not.
For example, if you live with someone for 7 years or longer, you are considered legally married. If you use your new name for a certain amount of time, that is your new legal name.
Do not take this as legal advice, it is not. It is just what I remember being told in class. I am not an attorney.
2007-09-18 07:46:09 · answer #4 · answered by ♥New Mommy♥ 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋
You don't have to have an attorney, but you do have to go through the court and have it legally changed (even for one letter). It should be a fairly simple process. Call the courthouse and ask if they have the forms to petition for a name change. They may or may not.
However, be aware the notifying everyone of the change/getting all your documents changed may be very time consuming. Do you really want to go through all that for one letter?
2007-09-18 07:49:09 · answer #5 · answered by kp 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am not a lawyer and don't know but I do know that when I went to social security about something one letter of my name was different than I had been using. It was different than my birth certificate. We had to change everything, from my social security I had been paying into and drivers license and medical records it was a night mare. But the lady at the social security office did the paper work for me. And then I went to DMV and got the license changed. But it is not easy.
2007-09-18 07:44:33 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I hate to disappoint you, but the IRS, SSA, etc., etc., etc. all have to be notified. Then there is that most powerful group known as "credit reporting agencies" that need to be notified. And, the Post Office, the Courthouse, etc., etc., etc., et al. I am certain you can download something from the net, but an attorney beforehand can help you avoid pitfalls later.
2007-09-18 07:42:56 · answer #7 · answered by Nothingusefullearnedinschool 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
A name change is always a legal process. All of your records both pulic and private are tied to you name, as is your SSI
Check Spelling number. There needs to be a formal filling process in order to change it.
2007-09-18 07:43:15 · answer #8 · answered by smedrik 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
why not keep your maiden name. it seems silly to go through all that expense and stuff for one letter. keep using your married name if you have children. if not, use your maiden name.yes you have alot of things to do legally to accomplish that not to mention social security cards,drivers license. why invite more hassles to your life. seems like a dumb idea or one you havent really thought out well.
2007-09-18 07:46:35 · answer #9 · answered by tigercub1 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are so many books and websites out there now a day to get required forms for legal situations that I'm sure you could find one. However, remember this, you get what you pay for.
2007-09-18 07:42:13 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋