Some states have different name change procedures for everyone except for a woman who adopts her husband`s surname after marriage (including hyphenation), depending on the circumstances. Therefore, a formal application for a name change must be made to the court in the following circumstances: The legal change of your name, whether for marriage, divorce or any other reason, can be a major life event. Each state`s laws are different and you should make sure to do so in accordance with the book, including filing your petition to change your name with the appropriate government agency. Let an experienced family law lawyer guide you through the process. Most likely, you will have to fill out a large amount of paperwork that coincides with your name change. There is paperwork when you have to file with the courts, and there is paperwork to change your name on your important documents (such as passports or bank accounts). Overall, it can be a lot of work. In most states, it`s a fairly simple process to change your name through the court system. In fact, most state government websites have online forms that you can print and use. Questions on the forms are very simple and can include your old name, new name, social security number, the reason for your name change, and a promise that you won`t change your name to avoid debt or criminal liability.
“A name change can impact your taxes. All names on your tax return must match Social Security Administration records. A name incompatibility may delay your refund,” according to the Internal Revenue Service. There are many reasons why someone might want to change their name, often after a marriage or divorce. The process of legally changing your name usually involves requesting your name change and using your new name. Once you`ve legally changed your name, you should also consider changing your name: there are a few more details to consider before making your new name official. From the details of hyphenated surnames to how to treat a new surname in the workplace, you need to remember the following important details if they apply to your situation. All passport changes must be requested by mail. The U.S. Department of State has developed a handy tool to help you complete the change form, which you can find here. Once you have completed it, send the following to the National Passport Processing Center: If you have recently been married or divorced, bring your license or decree with you.
If your divorce is already final and did not contain such an order, it may be possible to amend the original order to reflect your desire to change your name, although this varies by state. In this case, you may need to file an application with the court to change your divorce decree. The very first step to changing your name starts with your local district office. There, you`ll know if you need a lawyer for the process, but usually your county office will give you self-help information so you can make the name change yourself without hiring a lawyer. Each state has its own procedure, so it`s important to go to your local county office to gather this information. If you got married and want to change your last name, you usually don`t have to file an application with the court. Instead, you must submit documents to the Social Security Administration, including: If you apply less than 1 year after your previous passport was issued, you must collect the following: Talking to a family attorney about your state`s specific rules for a name change can help you prepare for future eventualities. Unfortunately, if you have a Global Entry card, you will not be able to change your name online as you will get a new passport number if you change your name on your passport. However, you don`t have to make an appointment months in advance. Once you have received your new passport, simply bring it to the nearest registration center where you can update your account information. You will keep your current Global Entry card (along with your maiden name) because the digital data attached to your card will reflect your new information and match your passport, even if the physical card does not.
If you prefer to get a new card with your new name, you can order one through your Global Entry account (after personally updating your passport information) for a $25 fee. Your friends may also have trouble adjusting to your new identity, and it may be uncomfortable calling you by the name you just chose. Are you considering combining your coverages? Make these changes all at once. Marriage is considered an important life event, so you also have the option to change your health insurance, even if it`s not a registration deadline. For home and auto insurance, adding an additional vehicle or a new home to your policy can result in significant savings if you combine multiple policies with the same company. It`s important to be aware of the restrictions your state places on the type of name change you want, keep proof of your previous name, and make sure your financial and other records are accurate after the change. “The most important thing to keep in mind about any name change is that it`s a process, not a one-stop shop,” Anna Phipps, vice president of experience at HitchSwitch, told Mental Floss. You also can`t choose a name that is a racial slur or is considered offensive or intimidating.
You will need a certified copy of your original marriage certificate or an original certified copy of the judgment (court order) to change your name. Knowledge tip: The reason you make copies is that you must provide a copy of the petition for a name change when you publish your new name in the newspaper.
