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.
Why would someone want to change their name?
A name change request can come about simply because a person doesn't like his or her name as given at birth; perhaps they'd prefer something more unique than Britney or Ashley or something less unique than a homespun name that combined parents' names. In this same vein, people with names...
What are the pros and cons of a name change?
Pros: Most people expect this type of name change. It also makes it easier if you have children, travel together, or have any medical issues. Cons: If you’ve built yourself a professional reputation using your surname, changing it may cause confusion and a loss of reputation and profit. How would a name change affect my child?
Is it better to change the name legally?
AstronlogiaJuly 18, 2009 At 4:43 PM Its always better to change the name legally as you can use it in bank accounts and other legal matters. Reply surendraJuly 17, 2009 At 1:36 PM sir, i have another question to ask for my fren whereby; her name comes under number 33 and her birth and lifepath number is also 3
Why do people change their last names after marriage?
Top 10 Reasons People Change Their Names 1. Dislike Current Name. A name change request can come about simply because a person doesn't like his or her name as... 2. Changing Name Following Divorce. If a woman has taken her husband's name upon marriage, she may decide to reclaim her... 3. Husband ...
Does changing your name affect anything?
You probably expect to need to update your Social Security information and your credit cards, but there are plenty of other people who need to know about your new name as well. "A name change can have an impact on your taxes. All the names on your tax return must match Social Security Administration records.
What is a good reason to change your name?
Change your name to honor your heritage, ethnicity or for religious reasons; and. Change your name to honor a step-parent or other person that has been special in your life; and, Create a new last name for both you and your spouse by hyphenating your surnames.
What are the downside of changing your name?
Con: It's not free It needs to get notarized. If your name change is the result of a divorce or a marriage, you may need additional documentation. It's not prohibitively expensive — court fees may be a few hundred dollars — but it does cost money. This is only something you want to do if you're serious about it.
What happens when you change name?
That court issued name change order will serve as evidence to prove that your name has been legally changed. When you change your name on your social security card, passport, driver's license, and other important places, you'll need this court order.
Will changing your name affect your credit score?
Will Changing Your Name Affect Your Credit? Changing your name will not impact your credit. Your credit reports use multiple pieces of identification information, including your Social Security number, to compile your credit history.
Is it OK to change your name?
Typically, you may legally change your name to whatever name you'd like, although state marriage laws may also provide some additional legal guidance. There are some exceptions though. For example, you can't: Change your name to escape debt liability or hide from criminal liability.
Can I have 2 last names?
A double name can be formed when marrying or getting children, combining the surnames of the spouses or the parents, respectively. Double names can be combined by taking one part of each. Either spouse or both can take a double name.
How difficult is it to change your name?
The process of changing your name is not difficult however it requires a tedious effort to do so. There are many steps, which can be slow at times, that are required to successfully change your name. It's easy to change your name in social settings, all you have to do is introduce yourself with your desired name.
Should I keep my last name?
Keep your surname professionally. You may have built your career or business around your name. If so, keeping your professional identity separate from your married identity may be the way to go. You might change your name legally, but continue to use your given name professionally.
Will people know if I change my name?
Myth #4 MYTH: Your name change is completely confidential. REALITY: Most states require some form of official public notice. Some states require notices in the newspaper while other states post the notice on the courthouse door.
Who do I need to tell when I change my name?
The police: If you have a criminal record the police will also need to be notified of your new name. Insurance providers, utility companies, local councils and the electoral roll should also be notified of any change.
How long does a name change take?
Name change actions can take anywhere from a day, to six (6) months (sometimes even longer). The time it takes for name change actions to be ordered/decreed varies not only from state to state but from county to county and courthouse to courthouse as well.
What are some names that people have the same name?
Parents often pick trendy names when their children are born. This means you get a cascade of people with the same names: Jennifer, Katie, David, John, Brittany. It all depends on when you were born. If you feel sick of having the same name as everyone else and you want something that stands out, changing your name gives you the chance to choose for yourself.
Is it free to change your name?
Con: It’s not free. This is an official legal step that you must take, and that means you have to pay some fees. For instance, you have to put in a petition to change your name, which must then get approved. It needs to get notarized.
Can you pick a name you never liked?
Generally speaking, you can pick any name you desire. It’s all wide open. People often feel like they have to live with a name they never liked, but you don’t. Get as creative as you want. Pick something that really fits your personality and your desires in life.
Can you change your name on a celebrity?
There are some obvious restrictions: You can’t pick an obscene name, you can’t use something that is trademarked and you can’t copy a celebrity’s name exactly. You can’t change your name in an effort to avoid arrest or commit any type of fraud. Other than that, though, the choice is up to you.
Why do people change their names?
1. Dislike Current Name. A name change request can come about simply because a person doesn't like his or her name as given at birth.
How to change your name on your Social Security card?
You must: Provide proof of your identity Complete and print an Application for a Social Security Card Mail or hand-deliver the application and supporting documentation to your local Social Security office Once the application is processed, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will issue you a new Social Security card under your new name. Please note that your Social Security number will not change.
Can you change your name for political reasons?
Although some may consider it extreme to change your name to support a cause, name changes for political reasons are not unheard of. In the past 10 years, Christopher Garnett became KentuckyFriedCruelty.com, Brandi Valladolid became RinglingBeatsAnimals.com, and Marvin Richardson legally changed his full name to Pro-Life.
Can same sex couples share a surname?
9. Same-Sex Partners Sharing Surname. Although same-sex partners may not be allowed to legally marry in all states, they can choose to share a surname, which can be particularly convenient in financial or legal transactions.
Can a transgender person change their name?
Transgender people often request name changes to reflect gender. Names can be changed to simply the masculine or feminine form of the current name or can be new names altogether.
Can a mother change her child's name?
In the case of an absent father, a mother may wish to have a child's surname changed to hers. On the flip side, if a formerly absent father is now in the picture, a name change to the father's surname may also be desired.
Can a husband take his wife's name?
Husband Taking Wife's Name Upon Marriage. It's becoming increasingly popular for a husband to take his wife's surname, but the process is streamlined in only California, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New York, and North Dakota.
Why do we have a shared last name?
Speaking of units, a shared last name can help create a sense of family identity, should you decide to have children.
Why do women keep their maiden name?
Plus, plenty of women keep their maiden name because of its sentimental value: it indicates their ethnicity, it has an epic story behind it, or it's associated with a famous family member. 3. You will have to modify your professional identity.
What does "drop a maiden name" mean?
1. It's an opportunity to drop a maiden name you dislike.
What happens when you take your last name after your wedding?
2. Change can be fun. When you take his last name after your wedding, you get a whole new name. You sign a new name, you introduce yourself differently. It's fun! Of course, change, like marriage, can be the good kind of scary. Taking on his surname not only signifies the new direction you've taken, but it also represents ...
Can a good man excuse you from adopting his surname?
A good man will excuse you from adopting his surname if it either sounds awkward with your first name, or if it's just an awkward surname, period.
Who is Denise Ngo?
Denise Ngo is a freelance web writer/editor who specializes in pop culture, fashion, science, faith and relationships. Follow her on Twitter at @ngodenise.
Is it hard to change your name after marriage?
Changing your name requires paperwork and sometimes a long line at a government office. People do it everyday, and it's not horribly hard (here's our guide for how to change your name after marriage, for a sneak peak). However, if you would rather not deal with changing the name associated with your Social Security, driver's license, ...
Why do people have a new name?
If you have historically made mistakes that were well-known or perhaps even published in newspapers or online, a new name can help ensure that social acquaintances and potential employers will not find those embarrassing stories when researching you. For people who have changed career pursuits or undergone gender transition, a new name can be a great way to delineate their life before that change and their life after it.
Why do people change their names in New York?
There are many different reasons why someone in New York might want to change their name. Perhaps you received a family name, and you find it both unoriginal and embarrassing. Maybe your parents chose something so unique that no one can spell it or pronounce it.
How much does it cost to change your last name?
If you get divorced, you will also have the option of legally changing your last name at that time. Otherwise, you can expect to pay a court fee, typically $275, for the legal process of changing your name.
Is changing your name bad for you?
The potential cost is not the only negative consequence of changing your name. People that you know may struggle to locate you under your new name. If you have had any sort of public exposure, such as published writings or other achievements, it may be difficult to adjust the name associated with those previous achievements. You may also have issues if you have a professional license or have completed an educational program under your original name.
Can you use a symbol as your name in New York?
Make sure you familiarize yourself with all of New York’s requirements for a legal name, including the fact that you cannot use a numeral, obscene words or a symbol as your name. Once you do change your name, make sure that everyone, from your landlord and bank to your friends and family, know your new legal name.
Is it good to change your name?
There are many benefits to a name change. 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.
What happens if you keep your name?
The name you choose to keep or take has an effect on your family, including any future children that you may have. What works for you as a couple may not work as well for your family. Though it might seem cute and clever to you, it may cause your kids embarrassment or your family to feel disrespected.
What are my options for a legal name change after marriage?
Keep your surname. This option continues to grow in popularity. It’s also the least complicated choice. If you’re both keeping your last names, there’s no need to stress about updating personal, legal, and financial documents.
What documents do I need to update after a name change?
You should update all official documents and accounts after a legal name change, including your:
How to fix name change issue?
Hyphenate both names. This is a common solution to the name change issue. Either one partner or both hyphenates their last name with their partner’s.
What happens if you hyphenate your last name?
If you keep your last name, whose name will you give to your children? If you hyphenate, they may not keep it that way when they decide to get married or have children. The same goes for any other creations or combinations of surnames you take.
How to change a minor's name?
Changing a minor child’s name typically requires the consent of both parents. In many states, you’ll have to file a petition in court, attend a hearing, and provide a valid reason for the change. If your spouse objects to the change, you may both need to testify before a judge makes a decision.
How much does it cost to change your name?
A legal name change can cost hundreds of dollars, but the price varies depending on where you live and the type of name change. In the United States, expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $400. For example, typical fees for a less traditional name change include: Filing a petition in court.
Why do companies change their names?
Businesses change names for numerous reasons — some strategic, and others more practical in nature. Regardless of your motivations, changing your company’s name often comes with consequences, both positive and negative.
Why do businesses change their name?
Here are some common reasons that business owners change names and start the rebrand process: They offer new products or services, and their existing business name is limiting. They share a business name with another local business, and customers often them them confused.
How to change a business name?
To start, consider why you’re interested in selecting a new business name. Here are some common reasons that business owners change names and start the rebrand process: 1 They offer new products or services, and their existing business name is limiting. 2 They share a business name with another local business, and customers often them them confused. 3 Their business name has been involved in a scandal, and they want to avoid bad press going forward. 4 They think that their current business name is too boring, so they’d like to rebrand to name that is more unique.
Why do companies rebrand their business name?
They think that their current business name is too boring, so they’d like to rebrand to name that is more unique.
How much does it cost to rebrand a business?
Depending on your business’s size and industry, the average rebranding initiative can cost from $1,000 to over $50,000, per Forbes. These costs can easily double if your campaign is unsuccessful.
Why is changing your name bad?
It takes time to build your reputation as a business and gain name recognition from your target customer base. Due to this, changing your name can confuse your existing customers and undo the progress you’ve made.
Why is it important to choose a business name?
Choosing a business name that’s aligned with your brand and is easy to remember will likely resonate with your customers. Plus, it’ll help you to stand out amongst your various competitors.
How much does it cost to change your name?
According to LegalZoom, you should be ready to spend at least $100 to $150 to file a name change petition in court, plus additional fees to have your forms notarized.
How to change your name before a court?
As LegalZoom explains, "In most states before a court will legally change your name, you need to publish notice of your intended change in a newspaper. This allows your creditors and other interested parties to object to the change. At a minimum, it puts them on notice that your name is about to change."
How to avoid getting memos that you misspelled your name?
To avoid the hassle and embarrassment of sending out an official memo that you misspelled your own name, be sure to quadruple-check that it looks right on every form you submit.
Can you use punctuation in a name?
Individuals are prohibited from using a name that includes punctuation or numerals, though some courts have permitted the use of periods or the spelling out of numerals. You also can’t pick a name that is a racial slur or would be considered offensive or intimidating. 5.
Can you change your name to a celebrity?
According to FindLaw, most states prohibit changing your name to escape debt, hide from criminal liability, or to commit a crime. You’re also not allowed to change your name to an intentionally misleading name, such as that of a celebrity.
Can you change your name to hide from the law?
You can't change your name to intentionally mislead people or hide from the law. Ueslei Marcelino/Reuters. State law governs what you can name yourself. While you can name yourself some pretty unique things, there are a few concrete rules about name changes by which you must abide.
Who do you need to inform about your reward points?
You'll also need to inform parties like your employer, the post office, the voter registration office, doctors’ offices, utility companies, landlord or mortgage companies, any school or alumni associations, insurance companies, and any airlines with which you’ve accrued reward points or miles, advises The Knot.
