Are you looking to change your name legally and searching for a name change attorney? Applying to have your name changed is straightforward, and the rules and procedures are set forth by local courts and state law. You need to provide identification that will ultimately prove that you are a legal resident and you should not seek to change your name to escape criminal investigation or change your name.

The Issue of Residency

The first step is to verify what the residency requirements are in your state. The law will allow you to undergo a name change as long as you are a bona fide resident who has lived in that state for a state-defined minimum duration. This figure changes from state to state and so you will need to find out about the requirements in your specific state. All you have to do is contact the local county court and file the necessary paperwork. You can also find the information online by searching online for the name change law of your state.

You Need to Provide Supporting Evidence

You need to have your valid birth certificate, Social Security card and driver’s license or another valid form of photo identification. These aren’t necessarily required in all states. However, it’s a great idea to keep them ready for the process because the magistrate, judge or court clerk could ask to see any one of them.

Make a Petition

The next step is to complete a petition for change of name. This is a special form that should be filed with the court clerk and has all of the necessary information that has been called for by state law. You can download the form in its blank form on plenty of websites such as the website for the county or state government or any other website that provides legal forms. You should, of course, have the form for your own state. You could print it out in its blank form and fill it or fill it online and then print the filled version. Your current and proposed names should, of course, be included in the form. The same goes for your Social Security number, legal residence address and the reason for changing your name. You probably will also have to sign an affidavit that you do not have any outstanding warrants and aren’t a convicted felon. Before you sign the form, you will have to bring it to a notary public who will then verify your identity and witness your signature.

File the Petition

Once you’re done, bring the petition to the clerk of court along with your documents and hand them over with a filing fee. There are different filing fees for different courts, although you are unlikely to spend more than $100. The clerk will then date-stamp the petition and enter it into the public records. Meanwhile, you will be left with a copy. You may also have to fill out an order for the magistrate or judge to sign. The clerk will then schedule a hearing docket for you.

Attend the Hearing

The final step is to attend the hearing, which will be presided over by a magistrate or judge. They will ask you questions about the reason for changing your name. In the event that you are filing for a name change for a minor, the judge will also ask for any objection from the other parent. When the hearing is closed, the order you filled will be signed by the magistrate or the judge and you will be provided with a copy. You should give anyone who needs to put your legal name on file this order. You should also give it to the vital statistics department in case you need an amended birth certificate.