How do I change my name?

How do I change my name?

Steps to Legally Change Your Name

1. Petition to change your name by filling out a name change form, an order to show cause for legally changing your name, and a decree to legally change your name.
2. Take these forms to the court clerk and file them along with your state’s required filing fees.

Can you use a different name without legally changing it?

Legally, you can use any name you want, as long as you are not using it for an unlawful purpose. You can use a different name without legally changing your name. There are many people who have one name in government and bank records and they are commonly known amongst their friends and relatives by another name.

How much is it to change your name and gender?

The filing fee for a petition for a decree of change of name or gender is $435. If you cannot afford the fee, you can ask for a fee waiver.

How long does it take to process name change?

When you have your Name Change Court Order signed by the judge, you can get A Certified Copy of it that day from the same court. You need the Certified Copy to get your most important records changed. It will take you from 6 weeks to 6 months (usually 8 weeks or so) to get your Court Order.

Can I use my husband’s last name without legally changing it?

Anyone is free to keep their own name, hyphenate their name with a spouse’s name, take their spouse’s name, or come up with a completely different name altogether. As long as the name change isn’t done criminally or fraudulently, any of these options would constitute a legal name change.

What is the time frame for address change?

Once your Change of Address Form has been submitted, it typically takes the postal service about 7-10 postal business days to process your USPS mail forwarding request. If you want to begin receiving your mail on move-in day, be sure to submit your request at least 7-10 days in advance.

What are the benefits of changing your name?

Legally changing your name does offer quite a few potential benefits. First of all, it can give you a fresh start. Whether you want to put a difficult past behind you, escape the attentions of a stalker or start fresh during a new phase in your life, a legal name change can be very empowering.

Can I have 2 last names?

Nowadays, couples can choose any combination of surnames for official use (although their legal name will remain unchanged). Most prevalent remains for the wife to either use a hyphenated surname or use her maiden name. Few husbands use a hyphenated surname.

What are the pros and cons of changing your name?

Changing Your Last Name: The Pros & Cons

• PRO: You and your children will have the same surname.
• CON: You will have to sort out the paperwork.
• PRO: You can change your identity.
• CON: It can affect your career.
• PRO: You will feel more connected with your husband.
• CON: You will feel distanced from your roots.

How does a name change affect a will?

As people go through life, they may change their name for any number of reasons. If someone has been named as a Beneficiary in a Will under their previous name, then this doesn’t automatically invalidate their entitlement to that gift, however it will need to be absolutely clear that they are the intended Beneficiary.

Does a change of address invalidate a will?

A change of address, slight increase or decrease in assets or financial circumstances, a change of name of a beneficiary or executor due to marriage or divorce does not require a revision of your Will. A Will does not expire or lapse, however, the passing of time generally leads to some changes that require updating.

Does a new will supercede an old will?

Most people revoke one will by making another, which supersedes the old one. That’s why most wills begin with a sentence like “I hereby revoke all previous wills and codicils.” (A codicil is an addition to a will; they aren’t very common these days.)

Can beneficiaries be changed?

You can add or change a lump-sum beneficiary at any time. It’s important to keep your beneficiary designation up to date.

Who you should never name as beneficiary?

Whom should I not name as beneficiary? Minors, disabled people and, in certain cases, your estate or spouse. Avoid leaving assets to minors outright. If you do, a court will appoint someone to look after the funds, a cumbersome and often expensive process.

Can the executor of a will take everything?

Can an executor of a will take everything? No. An executor of a will cannot take everything unless they are the will’s sole beneficiary. An executor is a fiduciary to the estate beneficiaries, not necessarily a beneficiary.

Do bank accounts with beneficiaries have to go through probate?

Most of the deceased person’s property has to go through probate. Additionally if it’s a financial asset that names a beneficiary, such as with the bank account or a brokerage account, those assets do not go through probate either.