What is a Name Change?
A name change is a
simple legal action filed in court by a person who wishes to change his/her
legal name.
An action for a name
change is cheaper than most other legal actions. The cost associated with a
legal name change typically involves three types of fees: 1) court filing fees,
2) newspaper publication fees, and 3) attorney's fees.
Name Change After Divorce
In Georgia, a party may
request to return to their maiden name in the initial Divorce Complaint or
Answer to the Divorce Complaint. In this case, the court will likely order the
party's name change in the Final Decree of Divorce. Once the party receives a
copy of the Final Decree of Divorce, they can take the Court Order to their bank,
Department of Motor Vehicles, Social Security Office, or passport office to
have their name changed on the appropriate documents.
However, if the party
wishes to change their name after the divorce has been finalized, they will
need to initiate a separate legal action for a name change.
Child Name Change
Although a
parent/spouse may change his or her name in a divorce, a child's name cannot be
changed in a divorce. To change a child's name, a separate legal action must be
brought.
If the parents wish
for a child's name to be changed, both legally recognized parents must be
notified and consent to the child's change of name.
If you are considering
changing the name of yourself or your child, there are several factors you may
want to consider. Changing one's name after divorce may help the divorced
individual to feel more separated from their ex-spouse. However, many parents
wish to retain the same last name as their children, and will retain their marital
last name in order to simplify interactions with work, school, daycare, etc.
Contact us today for
a free telephone consultation with a family law attorney to discuss whether a
name change is right for you.
Written by: Rebekah Ann
James