Want to Change Your Name? What You Need to Do!
How to change your name
If you get married or divorced, you should start using your new name on everything. The documents you will need are as follows:
- Social security card, birth certificate and photo ID
- Petition for a name change
- Order to show the reason for name change
Once you fill out these forms, submit them with the Provo, Utah court. Different states have different requirements. In Provo, you need to live in the county where you’re filing for at least one-year prior and be at least eighteen.
Some states ask you to notarize your application, or they may ask for extra copies. Many states ask that you publish your name change in the local newspaper for a few weeks. You should also remember that there would be a filing fee for changing your name.
Finally
Once you have done what your court requires, a hearing will be set. Show up early, have everything in order and be able to confirm all documents. Once your name is changed, make extra copies of the decree you are given.
Start informing all necessary parties of your name change like the social security department. You will need to change drivers license, passports and any important item with your name on it.
Reasons not to
If you have committed a crime or planning to, this isn’t a reason to change your name. You can’t change your name to anything that is offensive or obscene, and you aren’t allowed to add numbers or punctuation. If you have intent to mislead people, this isn’t allowed.
Overall
A Provo general practice attorney can help with your paperwork and understanding Utah laws. Howard, Lewis & Petersen are experienced attorneys with years of practice handling name changes. Give us a call, and we can help you get your new life underway.
