NAME CHANGE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

1. I have remarried and my new husband is like a father to my child. Can I get my child's last name changed to my new husband's last name?

   Only if your new husband adopts your child, or if your ex-husband agrees to the name change and the Court believes that it is in the child's best interest. In essence what you're attempting to do is have the child's name reflect an adoption when one hasn't occurred legally. Your ex-husband has an interest in the child and as such is entitled to notice and an opportunity to be heard with regards to his rights with respect to the child as his father.

   

2. As an adult I'd like to have my name legally changed to my stage name. Can this be done?

   Yes. An adult may petition the court for a name change as long as you're not seeking the change in order to avoid any type of criminal prosecution or payment of debts.

   

3. I am going thru a divorce. Can I ask for my name to be changed as part of the divorce?

   If you are involved in a divorce proceeding, whether male or female, you may request that any part of your name be changed as part of the final divorce. Making the request as part of the divorce proceeding saves you time and money because if you did so afterwards you'd have to pay a new court cost and the court's treat it as a new matter.

   

4. I have undergone a sex change and would like to have my name legally changed to reflect the new me, will the Courts allow me to get a name change?

   Yes, you can have your name changed to reflect the new you as long as you are not getting the name change in order to avoid criminal prosecution or indebtedness.