name-change

Requirement If you are above eighteen years of age and are willing to change your name, you must:

  • File a petition form (online, or physical)
  • Provide a copy of your birth certificate
  • In case of any previous name changes, provide those documents along with the petition
  • Some courts require documentation of any criminal background. Attach them.
  • Pay the filing fee
Keep in mind that you cannot change your name to escape debts or hide from past criminal liabilities, or commit a crime. Names containing words offensive to any community are discouraged by the court. You must have a valid and convincing reason to present the court with a proposal to change your name.

Procedure
The process of changing your name usually takes up to three or four months. You are required to submit a petition, either online through your local State Government website, or through your nearest Family Court. The petition form consists of questions regarding the details of your present name, proposed name, the reason for the requested name change, and residential status. Your request can be kept confidential in case you're changing your name to receive safety from stalking, harassment, trafficking, or abuse. This is also the case for addressing confidentiality, and gender transition. Although not necessary, it is advisable to get your form reviewed by a professional. An advisor can help to speed up your process. Copies of all previous criminal background reports must be attached. This process of changing your name will not be taken to court hearings if you have filed a petition for changing your gender (and proceeding, your name), you are married and want to change your name, or if you are divorced and want to return to your birth name. These cases will be handled quickly and do not require arguments to be presented. Within approximately six weeks of filing your petition to the court (along with the required documentation), the court will announce a date for your hearing. You must attend the hearing, and based on the judge's decision, your name will be changed.

After Decree
Succeeding the court orders, your new name and details will be published in the newspaper. The publication fee varies, but it is obligatory. In the cases of addressing confidentiality or gender change, this step is supposed to be ignored. To bring your new name to use, educational, medical, and/or occupational documents must be changed. Ask the people around you to refer to you by your new name. Notify all the official institutions about the change in your name.