Law Library Articles
Top 10 Name Change Articles in the LegalMatch Law Library
What do Marilyn Monroe, Elton John, and Tiger Woods have in common? If you said “an appetite for drama,” you’re right—but that wasn’t what was meant. All three of these celebrities legally changed their names.
In William Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet, Juliet said that “[t]hat which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” But it’s hard to think of Marilyn Monroe as the same elegant and classic beauty when you know that her given name was “Norma Jeane Mortensen.”
Here are the top name change articles:
1. Adult Name Change Lawyers
Many adults choose to update their name for reasons like marriage, divorce, or simply preferring another name. This article explains the filing steps, residency requirements, and fees often required. It also covers what might prevent a court from approving your new name, such as avoiding legal troubles or committing fraud.
2. Child Name Change Lawyers
Changing a minor’s name can arise in adoption situations, after a divorce, or if the child’s parents remarry. Courts prioritize the child’s best interests and often require consent from both parents. This article explains the process, paperwork, and legal standards specific to changing a child’s name.
3. Top Ten Child Custody Questions
While this piece focuses on custody, one common question involves whether you can change a child’s last name. The answer hinges on factors like parental rights and your local laws. Besides naming questions, it provides a handy overview of custody, visitation, and support topics that often intersect with name changes.
4. Legal Name Change Lawyers
A legal name change can look simple but often gets complicated especially if you want to use a unique or hyphenated name. This article details the role a lawyer can play: from filing petitions and scheduling hearings to ensuring you don’t end up with a confusing name that courts might reject.
5. What Is a Divorce Decree?
If you’re changing your name after divorce, a divorce decree can be your key legal proof. However, name updates aren’t automatic. Often, you must alert the court clerk. This article covers the ins and outs of a decree, so you’ll know what it is and how to use it when changing your surname post-divorce.
6. Name Changes
Here you’ll find a broad overview of name change law, including common reasons, the steps, and restrictions. This article clarifies when courts might deny your request (for example, to commit fraud or choose an offensive name). If you want a big-picture look at how name changes work, start here.
7. Name Changes After Marriage Lawyers
Some people adopt their spouse’s last name. Others don’t. Some pick a brand-new surname altogether. This article breaks down your options and any legal hang-ups, from dealing with passports to notifying Social Security. It also highlights the distinct challenges same-sex couples may face in certain states.
8. Name Changes After Same-Sex Marriage
Even though same-sex marriage is recognized in all 50 states, rules on name changes don’t always keep up. This article examines creative solutions like hyphenations and blended names and clarifies how to fix IDs and official documents. It also discusses ways to revert to a former name if you divorce.
9. Changing Your Name After Divorce
When a marriage ends, many people want to go back to a maiden or previous surname. This piece shows how to accomplish that—sometimes directly through the divorce decree, other times requiring a separate name-change action. It also covers altering a child’s name after a divorce if needed.
10. Green Card Renewal Lawyers
If you’re a legal permanent resident who changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or any other reason, you must ensure your green card is updated too. This article lays out the renewal steps, fees, and forms to keep your immigration status accurate and valid.
Whichever path you take, consider reaching out to a knowledgeable family or immigration attorney to make your name change smooth and recognized everywhere it matters.
