how can i change my first and last name legally?

Question

i am devorcing my parents when i am 14 so i want to change my name

Answer 1

If you are legally responsible for yourself (as may be with the situation you outline above) all you need to do is to go to your local courthouse. You can find where such a place is by looking in the blue pages of your phone book... it will probably just be some small building you otherwise would have never noticed.

There, you just fill out some forms explaining what you want to change it to and why. You'll then be called in front of a judge who will look things over and make sure you're not doing it to evade debts or crimes, that your name is not grossly inappropriate, and that this isn't some kind of frivolous whim. Then you'll get some officially stamped papers certifying that you are who you are.

The whole thing will probably cost you about fifty bucks and take a couple hours. Not a big deal, really.

The harder part is going and changing everything else that may be associated with your name like social security cards, bank accounts, and the like.

Hope that helps!

Answer 2

First off, let me say that what you propose to do, by divorcing your parents, is granted by courts only in the most extreme circumstances, which I very seriously doubt you are experiencing..

That being said, to change one's name requires hiring an attorney and filing documents with the court. A judge will then decide whether you have good and sufficient reason under the laws of that state to change your name, assuming, of course, that either the court has already allowed you to "divorce" your parents (extremely unlikely) or else you have your parents' permission.

Do you really think that, at 14, you're going to have the money to do that? A 14-year-old can't even make enough money to feed themselves, much less keep a roof over their head and hire attorneys for a "divorce" and a name change. I certainly hope your plan is not to live off everybody else's tax dollars.

I don't think you have thought this through at all. Then again, if you're under the age of 14, that should surprise no one.

Answer 3

For UK - I contacted a solicitor friend who said that changing 'by common knowledge' was as good as by Deed Poll. It is legal as long as you are not doing it for fraudulent purposes and tell all 'official' agencies simulanteously.

I did this for my daughter age one when her natural father leftand again age four when she took on my husband's surname. I wrote to state child benefit, her savings account, nursery school and the court administering her child maintenance along the lines of " To whom it may concern, I (name)wish it to be known that with effect from (date) my daughter (name)'s is to change by common knowledge to '(name)' and would be gratefully if you could amend your records accordingly' (signed, name and relationship to child and dated). Keep a copy or two for yourself.

My daughter recently married and had no problems just providing the information as we never kept a copy and gave the name she used when asked during the service. It can be less complicated for you in later life if you make your mindup before it goes on things like exam certificates, driving licence etc.

My niece changed her name similarly but was assisted by the citizens advice bureau who provided a signed and witnessed statement for her to that effect for a donation and was able to use that name upon marriage in a church.

Think carefully about dumping your parents. Until you are a parent yourself you will not understand the depth of unconditional love a parent has for their child. Kids don't come with instruction manuals and no one is perfect, parents do get things wrong, occassionally big time but the greatest gift you can have in life is the capacity for forgiveness. It helps you to let go of the bad bits and get on with your life and hopefully if you can talk to your parents, may be with the help of someone else, you may be able to get through your difficult times together. Good luck!

Answer 4

You need to be 18 to change it legally using something called a Deed Poll without your parents consent. You can also change it at any time before you turn 18 but only with your parents consent.

I'm hoping to get mine changed soon, but only my first name.

Answer 5

My daughter said the same thing at your age. You can't change your name on your own until you are eighteen. In some states you can pick what parent you want to live with at fourteen. My daughter decided to stick it out with good old mom and dad. If you are having trouble at home, PLEASE talk to someone. GOOD LUCK!

Answer 6

Yes you need to go through the court systems but they are all Jacks so it may take a while

Answer 7

If you are in the U. S., contact your county courthouse. Each state has different laws regarding such matters.

Answer 8

you mean your getting emancipated (sp?)( thought you had to be 16 to that ) anyway .. try the court house or your local security office they should be able to tell ya