In most cases, courts approve name change applications. However, there are certain scenarios under which the court might not grant your name change request, including situations involving
fraud
, certain felony convictions, objections, minor children, and name changes that could result in confusion or harm.
What can't you change your name to?
There are only a few restrictions: Don't change your name
for a fraudulent purpose
. Don't take a famous person's name. Stay away from names that are overtly offensive. Copyrighted or trademarked names are also off limits—so sorry, you can't be harry potter.
Why would a name change be denied?
Reasons a Judge Will Deny Name Change
If a Name Change
is likely to cause harm
, confusion, fraud, etc., you may get denied. … A Judge will deny a petition to change a child's name if the Judge believes Granting the Name Change would not be in the best interest of the child. This kind of denial is very rare.
Are you legally allowed to change your name?
In NSW,
you can only change your name once in a 12-month period and 3 times in your lifetime
. … When a change of name is completed, we amend the birth registration: for a child to include the change of name, but do not change the names of the parents.
What reasons can you change your name?
- Dislike Current Name. …
- Changing Name Following Divorce. …
- Husband Taking Wife's Name Upon Marriage. …
- Changing Child's Surname to Mother's or Father's. …
- Couples Combining or Hyphenating Surnames to Form a New One. …
- Desire for a Less or More “Ethnic” Name.
How hard is it to change your name?
Although it may be seem daunting to show up at court or fill out legal paperwork, you don't need to hire a lawyer to change your name. Filling out a Petition for Name Change can be fairly straightforward. But if you do feel overwhelmed by navigating the name change process yourself, consider outside help.
What happens at a name change hearing?
What happens at the name change hearing? Name change hearings are usually quick and easy.
The judge calls your name when it is your turn, and asks you a few questions
. The judge will ask if everything in the petition is true and correct, and if you are trying to change your name for fraudulent purposes.
Can I use my married name without legally changing it?
Most states allow one or both spouses to change their last names
without a separate name change petition after getting married. You could choose to take your spouse's last name, hyphenate your last names, or in some states, choose a new last name unrelated to either your name or your spouse's name.
What is the easiest state to change your name?
Easiest States To Change Your Name
Still, every state except Hawaii will provide you with a Court Order that can be used to make changes with your ID and Official Records. Because of Full Service, by EZ Name Change,
California's
process is considered one of the easiest and surest ways to get a name legally changed.
How many times can I change my name?
Unless you are changing your name as a result of marriage or divorce, you can only change your name
once every 12 months
. Some states have rules about how many times you are allowed to change your name.
How much is it to legally change your name?
In general, anyone can legally change their name for any reason except to commit fraud or evade the law. To make it official, you'll need a court order legally changing your name. The procedure for getting that order depends on the state and county where you live—and the cost will range from
$150 to $436
.
Do I need to go to court to change my name?
Do I need a court order to change my name?
You will usually need a court
order to change your name. If you were recently married, you may be able to change your last name to your spouse's last name without a court order by providing proof of your marriage to the social security office and driver's license office.
What are the consequences of changing your name?
“A
name change can have an impact on your taxes
. All the names on your tax return must match Social Security Administration records. A name mismatch can delay your refund,” according to the Internal Revenue Service.
What is a good reason to change your last 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.
Do you need a reason to change your name?
You don't need to have any kind of valid reason to change your name
, so long as it is not for any fraudulent purpose, such as avoiding paying a debt or fulfilling an obligation — you are free to change your name at any time. However typical reasons people change their name are: … because you dislike your current name.
Why do I hate my name?
There are lots of reasons people might hate their name.
Maybe they think it's too ordinary or too unusual
. Maybe it's too long or too short. Maybe it lends itself to unfortunate nicknames.
