Are You Seeking a Name Change?

Do you want to change your name? The only condition for a name change is that the name change is not for any illegal or fraudulent purpose and the new name does not interfere with the rights of other. For example, you cannot change your name to that of a celebrity in order to take advantage of the celebrity’s name.

A name change can be made either informally by usage or formally by going to court and filing a petition.

• Usage: You may change your name by simply picking a new name and then using it in your daily life. You can just start using your new name with friends, family, and any businesses with which you have contact.

• Going to Court and Filing a Petition: To change your name you must file a Petition for Change of Name in the Circuit Court of the county where you live. A notice of the request must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in that county, unless the Court grants a waiver of publication. You will need to check with the Clerk of Court regarding publication of the Notice. In some jurisdictions publication arrangements are the responsibility of the party asking for publication. In other jurisdictions the Clerk of Court will arrange to have the Notice published.The purpose of the publication requirement is to give others the opportunity to object. If someone objects, that person must file an objection and send a copy of the objection to you. You will have 15 days to respond to the objection by filing a written response with the Court. If no one objects, and everything is done properly, then the judge may sign the Order for Name Change. A certified copy of the Order will be mailed to you. You will use the certified copy of the Order for Name Change to change your name on your driver's license, and with the Bureau of Vital Statistics, Social Security Administration, creditors, etc.

If you are seeking to have your name changed, call The Law Office of Adina S. Katz at 240-606-4591. Give us a call today.

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