Changing Your Last Name
Last name changes are done for several reasons. Most commonly, women change their last name after marriage and take on their husband's surname. There are of course other reasons for people to change names. After a divorce, a woman that had taken her husband's last name after marriage will often want to change her last name back to her maiden name (or a different name if she so chooses). You can also change your name simply because you do not like it, you will just have to go through the proper channels, filing the paperwork, paying fees, and appear before a judge to ask for the judge to order the name change.
Each state has a slightly different process for a name change, so check with your local courthouse to find out what the details and requirements are. Most places will have a version of the following process:
- You must fill out the proper paperwork and application to request a name change.
- You must pay a fee to the court for processing the paperwork.
- You will need to publish in a local newspaper the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name.
- Appear before a judge for your hearing.
- Get the decree from the judge.
The decree from the judge is what you'll need to start changing your name on all other legal, financial, and personal documents.
There is of course the common law way of changing your name which is even easier--you basically pick a name and begin to use it consistently and exclusively, but if you are serious about changing your name, you should put in the time and effort to get it done legally. If you are too lazy to do it and have some money to spare then perhaps you can hire a lawyer to help you through the process.
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