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Name Changes Lawyers
Some choose to change their name simply because they do not like their original name, while others do so for marriage or divorce purposes. Also, a significant number of individuals may resort to legal name changes in order to avoid harassment or harm from others.
Procedure for Changing your Name
Obtaining a name change is a relatively straightforward process. In most states the proper paperwork must filing be filed in Court. Additionally, you also must contact all relevant government or business agencies (i.e. DMV, IRS) and inform them of your changed name. The specific procedure for obtaining a name change may vary depending on the reason for the change.
Common Situations When a Name is Changed
Here are a few typical reasons for seeking a name change and the required procedures:
- Marriage
- Change all identification cards, accounts, and important documents like social security cards, and driver licenses
- Some states require certified copies of your marriage certificate
- Divorce
- You can have the judge handling your divorce make a formal order to restore you former name
- Make sure you get a few certified copies to make the name change easier
- Child Name Changes
- Can be done when in the best interest of the child
- Usually occurs when the child's mother remarries
- Often granted after reviewing competing interests, such as the length of time the name has been used, mother-child relationship, and the need of child to identify with a new family unit ? balance with the strength of the father child relationship
Restrictions for Changing Your Name
There are several situations where you are not allowed to change your name. A name change cannot be done:
- With a fraudulent intent (change your name to avoid the law, etc.)
- To interfere with the rights of others (you can not change your name to George W. Bush, or assume an identity to get benefits from being that person)
- If you change your name to something that is intentionally confusing like a number or punctuation symbol
- If your name will equate to a racial slur
- If your name will equate to fighting words
Do I Need an Attorney for my Name Change?
Consulting with an attorney regarding any significant legal matter such as a name change is always a wise thing to do. Because of the complexity of some name change documents, it may be prudent to confer with an attorney to explain the full effects of the name change. A lawyer can also help you through the legal process of changing a name.
Vea esta página en español: Empresas No Lucrativas o visita Abogados-Leyes.com para más información legal.
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