The procedure of changing your name varies from state to state in the US, but the basic procedure is pretty similar. In most states the proper paperwork must filing be filed in Court. The specific procedure of changing your name may vary depending on the reason for the change. In our Name Changes Video I we introduce the most common reasons for changing your name: - Marriage: most women change their names after getting married. - Divorce: many women want to get their maiden name, or a previous name, back after a divorce. - Some people just want to legally change their name as their current name doesn't feel right to them or they just want to have a fresh start in life with a new name. - There are people who give a name to a child and then feel it necessary to change it for some reasons. An experienced Family Law lawyer can make sure that you have the appropriate documentation to begin changing your name, explain the full effects of the name change and help you through the legal process of changing a name. - If you simply want to change your last name after being married, there is no need to file a name change with the court. Your marriage license should suffice to prove your name change. - If you want to go back to your maiden name after a divorce usually you'll need: a petition to legally change your name/ an order to show cause for legally changing your name/ a decree to legally change your name. - After changing a name you should make sure to change your name on: all forms of identification, your driver's license, passport, social security card, bank accounts, credit cards, other important documents. Please, note that some states require a formal advertisement of the usage of your new name, which is done by posting a notice in the local newspaper. Be sure to check at the local courthouse if you'll need to do that. So what have you got to lose? Come and visit our site at http://www.legalbistro.com.
