Washington Name Change Lawyer
Your name is an important part of your identity. Whether you want to change your name due to marriage or for other reasons, it is important that you understand the legal process. Below, our Washington name change lawyer outlines the most common reasons for changing names, and the methods to do it.
Common Grounds for Changing Your Name
Marriage and divorce are the most common grounds people have for changing their name. For example, two people get married and one spouse changes their last name to reflect that of their partner. Likewise, after a divorce a spouse who changed their name may wish to revert to the name they had before marriage. Other common reasons for changing a name are as follows:
- Changing the name of a minor child
- Religious reasons
- Gender transition
Each reason for changing a name has different procedures and steps to take.
Changing Your Name After Marriage
To change your name after getting married, you will need to show certain documents, including:
- Identification such as a passport or driver’s license
- Confirmation of age such as an adoption decree or a birth certificate
- Certified marriage certificate
The first step to take is to inform the Social Security Administration that you have changed your name. The SSA has a form to change your name and you can simply submit it to an SSA office. The agency will view your official documents to confirm your identity and approve your name change.
The next step is to change your name with the DMV. Bring your identifying documents as well as the name change approval from the SSA. You can then change your name on both your vehicle registration and your driver’s license. You can then change your name on your bank, investment, utility bills, credit card accounts, and other important accounts.
Changing Your Name After Divorce
If you have gotten a divorce and now wish to change your last name back to your family name, you must file a form with the Prothonotary Office. This must be done in the same county in which your divorce decree was finalized. Once you have submitted this form you can then change your name on your Social Security card, passport, and driver’s license.
Changing a Minor Child’s Name
If a child was born in the state and the parents agree to change their name, they can fill out the form on the back of the birth certificate. Both parents must sign the form in the presence of a notary. If the parents do not agree to change the name, they must go to court and prove why it is or is not in the best interests of the child.
Change Your Name Through Petition
If you wish to change your name in order to update gender markers or for other purposes, you must publish your intention to do so in two newspapers. You must also provide proof that there are no decrees or judgments pending against you.
Our Name Change Lawyer in Washington Can Assist with Your Case
Regardless of the reason you want to change your name, our Washington name change lawyer at Bunde & Roberts, P.C. can help. We will ensure your name is changed on all important legal and personal documents so you do not face problems in the future. Call us now at 412-391-4330 or contact us online to schedule a consultation and to learn more about how we can help.
