Change of Name

Any person can have their name changes if they are over the age of 18 years. If that person is a minor, then a legal guardian of the minor can request the change of name. A person’s name is important to one’s self image and how one is characterized by others in the social environment. For those who want to make a change in their name, Public Documents Plus can help in the preparation of the documents to obtain that new name.

CHANGE OF NAME

To obtain a new name, a Petition for Change of Name must be completed and filed with the Court. There are other documents filed concurrently with the Petition and a court hearing date is scheduled approximately 6 weeks away . In the meantime, the Petition of Change of Name is published in a local newspaper for one full month giving public notice of the name change. Unless someone objects, your name change will be approved at the scheduled hearing date.

If the person whose name to be changed is a minor (under the age of 18 years), then one must be an appointed legal guardian of the minor child. The legal guardian would complete all the legal documents and sign them on behalf of the minor.

With a new name change, it is important to contact government agencies and businesses as to the new name. This includes, but limited to, Social Security Administration, Department of Vital Statistics, Department of Motor Vehicles, and credit card companies. A court certified copy of the Decree Changing Name may be requested by these government agencies and businesses proving as to the new name.

The Court may deny one’s request for name change for the following reasons:

The name is being obtained for “fraudulent purposes” (avoid paying debts under the existing name)

The name may interfere with the rights of other (using someone else’s name to capitalize on their name)

The name is intentionally confusing

Names with racial slurs

Names with obscene words and that incite anger.

Overall, a change of name is a relatively easy process with a little assistance. Let PUBLIC DOCUMENTS PLUS help in the preparation of documents for a change of name.