People have different reasons for wanting to change their last names. These are some questions and answers related to name changes in case you want to change your surname in the near future.
When can I change my last name?
You can request to change your last name at any time. However, the most opportune time to request a name change is while undergoing another court procedure, such as a divorce.
What can I change my last name to?
Each state has different rules for name changes, and each court has a different judge. Some name-related matters are state laws, and others are judge-dependent. Offensive names, symbols, numbers, and other such abnormalities are left to the court’s discretion.
Changing your name from a maiden last name to a married name or vice versa is nothing unusual, and a judge will likely approve either of those changes. Selecting a last name that is not relevant to your past or current life might be tricky. The judge will probably be skeptical about approving the change, and he or she may wonder what your motives are.
What do I need to change my name?
You will need a court date and a judge’s approval to change your last name. To receive a court date, you will have to file paperwork to request it. You may want to request an attorney’s help for this so that you can have it approved for the first time.
The attorney can draw up the papers for you and file a motion once you provide the funds for the processing and the attorney’s fees. Attorney’s fees and filing fees differ in each state as well. That’s why it’s better to change your name while doing a different process instead of filing for the name change independently.
Can you tell me how to change my last name?
To change your last name, you’ll first decide what name you want to use. Next, you’ll gather the necessary paperwork by contacting an attorney or visiting the municipality to get the information. Complete the forms or have a professional do it for you. File the paperwork with the court and wait for a court date.
Ensure you arrive on time for your name change court date because you will have to answer questions. The judge will want to ensure that you aren’t changing your name to escape criminal charges or evade debt collection. You may have to answer more questions and come up with a super-strong case if you choose a name that sounds unusual. The judge will then consider everything you said and determine whether to approve or deny the name change.
If you are now in the process of divorce, the judge will see the name change request in the divorce papers and approve it when signing the final order, unless it’s an irrelevant or unconventional name.
Once you receive a judge’s approval to change your name, you can also start getting all your identifying documentation changed.