Not in most states, but it`s useful. In most states, you can legally change your name by simply using it. You can choose a name and use it simply in social environments and in your business. This may be a completely legal name change. Contributed by Patty P. Tehrani, Esq., a consultant who provides expertise on a variety of legal services and regulatory compliance issues. If your divorce is already final and did not contain such an order, it may be possible to amend the original order to reflect your desire to change your name, although this varies by state. In this case, you may need to file an application with the court to change your divorce decree. If you got married and want to change your last name, you usually don`t have to file an application with the court. Instead, you must submit documents to the Social Security Administration, including: The information on this site is of a general nature. Descriptions of laws and court procedures are abbreviated.

This information is not intended to be legal advice. If you do not understand this information or need legal advice, you should consult a lawyer. If the child is fourteen years of age or older, the petition must include the child`s written consent to the name change. While you can change your name yourself, a family attorney can help ensure that the legal name change process is properly completed. Generally, you can legally change your name to any name you want, although state marriage laws can also provide additional legal advice. However, there are some exceptions. For example, you can`t: Marriage and divorce are the most common reasons people change their names. Generally, if you change your name after you get married, a marriage certificate is the only thing you need. A divorce decree is all you need to change your name again after the divorce. In addition, change management requires implementation to have a real impact. For example, if the change involves a new case management process, planning alone is not enough.

Lawyers need to implement the new process and then continue to monitor it to see how it is doing (e.g., is it living up to expectations?). You should also be prepared for the possibility that some changes may not work as originally intended. The only way to signal potential disruption is to implement the change and then evaluate it. These assessments are essential to identify lessons learned from change and what can be done to improve it. If you legally change your name through the court, a fee and a notary will likely be required, with a few exceptions for name changes due to marriage, divorce or adoption. Lawyers need to be aware and accept that change is a necessary part of the legal transaction. Without meaningful commitment, change management is doomed to failure. Therefore, the approach must be collaborative and requires lawyers to involve affected areas and people to achieve the best results.

Engagement requires encouraging feedback, participation and ownership of change to make the most of different perspectives and experiences. It is important to note that collaboration is best achieved through open and thorough communication explaining why change is needed and the benefits of change. Giving people the opportunity to process information and ask questions goes a long way in managing concerns and accepting change. An application for a name change may also be refused if an applicant chooses a name that is not appropriate. Examples of inappropriate names may include names that: Second, the change management strategy requires lawyers to ask themselves the following questions: Once you have posted a notice of name change (if necessary), you may need to hold a hearing before a judge. The judge will consider your application and any objections before deciding on your application. If the court approves the change, you should get a copy of the court order so you can start changing your name on official documents. Generally, the process of legally changing your name requires you: But more and more lawyers are realizing that they may not be able to survive if they don`t change careers regularly. Keep in mind that drivers of change include cost containment efforts, operational efficiency projects, automation, and increasing regulatory requirements. An ad hoc approach is not always plausible and is increasingly being replaced by careful review, evaluation and planning of strategic decisions. After receiving a court order granting a name change, you must update important identifying information, including your driver`s license or other government-issued ID, birth certificate, Social Security card, and passport.

If you are married or divorced and your name has been changed, you do not need to update your birth certificate. Lawyers need to understand that any new approach may raise concerns. Therefore, in times of change, lawyers must ensure that clear responsibilities, outcomes and timelines are assigned and followed in writing.