Posted on June 23, 2010.
How to legally change your name Changing your name is a simple legal procedure that does not require a lawyer. You can not change your name if you must go through the appropriate legal procedure. If you feel uncomfortable handling your own documents, you can hire a lawyer, but of course it would cost much more than handling documents yourself.
Changing your name is a big deal, but that does not mean it is difficult to make even the most complex. When you decide to legally change your name, you abandon your old name completely. However, you can return to your old name if you go through the whole process the legal name change again if you later decide you want to return. You can not decide one day you want to change your name and start using it on your legal documents. You should follow the appropriate procedure.
The first thing you need to do is to choose a new name. Sit down and know what legal name that you want. There are so many possibilities, so make sure you feel comfortable with the name you want before you continue. Again, this is a very important decision and should not be a split second decision. You should think seriously about putting a name you really want.
Do not try to sidestep the law by using a new name without a trial judge granting a new name for you. It is not necessary as long ask the court to grant your new name. All it takes to ask the court is consistent with the evidence of your status change forms name to your county clerk's office. You can get legal name change forms you need online. Once you have the legal forms of name change you need you simply fill in the blanks, take a witness, date, sign and certify the name change forms. It's that simple. The official name change is a simple procedure, and you should not feel intimidated.
Once you have asked the Court to grant your new name, then you will get a court date to appear before the judge. To date, the court judge, or you give your new name or to deny it. If granted, you will get the documents you need to use to change your name on legal documents, such as your driver's license, birth certificate, social security card, etc. Once you have a copy these identity documents necessary for your new name, then you can use to change your name on your bills and bank account. Most banks even accept the judge certified name change forms even if you do not change your name on your driver's license yet.
