What you need to know for a petition for name change
Are you one of the thousands of people who search for a petition for name change each month? If so this guide will provide information on how you should go about the process of petitioning for a name change. The process itself is straight forward and we will outline everything you need to do and bring with you to make the process go as smoothly as possible.
The below guide is an outline of the most common process of what someone would need to change there name legally. Laws are set from both state laws and local courts. Regardless of what state you’re in you will need to provide proof of your identity and also provide proof that you live in the said state.
What must you prove?
Residency
You will have to prove and verify your residency requirements that your perticular state has. In order to change your name by law you will have to prove that you have been living in the state for a minimum time frame. States can differ on this time so be sure to check with yours to know the exact amount of time your state requires.
How to check the requirements in your area?
You will want to contact and check the requirements by contacting your county courthouse. This is where you will also be filling the proper and verified paperwork. The specific location would be with the clerk of courts.
Evidence needed
While not all the below is necessary it will be wise to gather as many as these forms of identification as possible in the event the clerk or judge asks to see them. To support proof of your current legal name try and gather the following:
- Valid birth certificate
- Social Security card
- Driver’s license
- Passport
- Any other form of photo identification
Complete a petition for name change
This petition form will be filled out and filed with the clerk of courts in your county
- Social Security number
- Current name and proposed new name
- Address you reside at
- Reasons for changing your name
Remember to have a notary public verify and watch you sign the form so they can witness your signature.
Filing and hearing
Now its time to bring all your documents, identification, and petition to the clerk of courts to file the paperwork. Keep in mind that there will be fees associated with filing a petition.
We would recommend having payment on hand or find out how much the filing fees will cost before you go so you can make arrangements for payment. The clerk of the court will schedule a hearing regarding the name change.
At the hearing the judge could ask questions regarding your name change, most likely this will be why you want to change your name. After the hearing, a clerk or the judge can sign the order and you will receive a copy. Your name change will be done.
Finding your states Petition forms
Here is a quick way to find your states petition form online. Start with Google and use a search parameter as follows.
Example: “Name Change Petition Florida” Here is what a petition for name change will look like. This one is for Florida.
Simply change the state to the state you live in. Remember, you can also contact the county courthouse directly by phone or online to find the petition for needed.
The above information should give anyone enough
