Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Name Change - Changing Your Name The Legal Way


There are many reasons for one to change their name and these range from marriage, security, simple desire to change name or for religious purposes. Whichever it is, changing a name has to be done legally according to the laws of your state. It is considered a serious crime to change your name in an effort to evade debts. Since change of name is of legal importance it is therefore required that you get a court order before you can change your name.

Changing your name will affect a lot of things some of which you will have to change as well. For instance after changing your name you will be required to also change your bank account name, driver's license, passport, voter's registration, social security card, will, title deeds including any signed contracts that carry your old name. It is evident that changing your name may also present future problems that you may not be aware of. It is therefore advisable that you do a little bit of research before proceeding with the process so you don't get any surprises.

Name change laws vary from state to state. It is therefore important to know beforehand what is required by your state. For example some states in the US require all name changes to be registered with the Social Security Administration, Bureau of Consular Affairs, United States Postal Service and the Department of Motor vehicles within a stipulated deadline ranging from 10 - 60 days. Some states in the US only grant a name change when the petitioner has presented a sound reason for changing a name and the courts have found no ulterior or illegal motives associated with the request.

Marriage is another reason for one to change their name. After marriage a woman may change her surname legally and revert to her previous surname after a divorce. The condition of changing a name as a result of marriage is not only limited to women.

Some religions encourage changing of name as a symbol of repentance. In many US states this is considered as a good reason to change a name. So whatever your reason for changing a name is always check if it is acceptable in your state.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7104048

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