What is the process of legally changing one's name in the US? Is a court appearance needed? Is the process different for minors?
by 
Comrade
ANSWERS: 1
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Generally, you appear before a judge in your state's court system. Depending upon the state, there is usually a lowest-level court which is essentially a "small claims" court, and there is a next-higher court system. It would be the same court where you could file for divorce, for example. Generally, you create a petition asking the court to grant a name change. You are required to certify that the name change is not for any illegal purposes (i.e., to try to escape debt or legal process). Often, the Clerk of the Court can give you examples of previous petitions, the form of which you can copy in your petition. Or, if you like, you can contact a local attorney who can do the petition for you. Look for a general practitioner or a Family Law attorney. However, name change petitions are quite simple to do, and you can save money by doing it yourself, petitioning the court, and paying only a small court fee to get your name change. As long as it isn't for an illegal purpose, the court will usually grant the change -- although some courts balk at changing your name to something off-the-wall, such as "Zoltar the Magnificent."
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