Legal Name Change In Maryland9 min read
In Maryland, a legal name change is a fairly simple process. In most cases, all you need to do is file a petition with the court and publish a notice of your name change in a local newspaper.
To file a petition for a name change, you will need to visit the circuit court in the county where you reside. You can find a list of circuit courts in Maryland on the Maryland Judiciary website. The circuit court will provide you with a name change petition form.
In order to change your name, you must provide the court with a number of documents, including:
-Your birth certificate
-A government-issued photo ID
-Proof of your Social Security number
-A copy of your marriage certificate (if applicable)
-A copy of your divorce decree (if applicable)
-A copy of your court order changing your name (if applicable)
The court will also require you to provide a reason for changing your name. You may include a cover letter with your petition explaining your reasons for wanting to change your name.
In addition to filing a petition with the court, you must also publish a notice of your name change in a local newspaper. The notice must run once a week for four consecutive weeks. The newspaper will provide you with a form to publish your name change.
Once you have filed your petition and published your notice, the court will consider your request and make a final determination on your name change. If the court approves your name change, you will be issued a court order changing your name.
Table of Contents
How much does it cost to legally change your name in Maryland?
In Maryland, the cost of legally changing your name depends on the method you use to complete the process. If you file a petition in court, there is a $165 filing fee. If you complete a name change form and submit it to the state, the fee is $20. There is no fee to change your name through marriage.
How long does it take to legally change your name in Maryland?
In Maryland, it takes about four to six weeks to legally change your name. The process involves filing a name change petition with the court, publishing a notice of the name change in a local newspaper, and appearing before a judge to have the name change approved.
To file a name change petition, you will need to provide the court with your current name, your proposed new name, your date of birth, and your current address. You will also need to provide proof of your name change, such as a marriage certificate or a court order.
If you are changing your name because of marriage, you will need to provide the court with a copy of your marriage certificate. If you are changing your name for any other reason, you will need to provide the court with a copy of your court order or other legal document authorizing the name change.
After you file your name change petition, the court will publish a notice of the name change in a local newspaper. The notice will be published once a week for three consecutive weeks.
After the notice has been published, you will need to appear before a judge to have the name change approved. The judge will ask you a few questions about your name change and may ask to see some of your supporting documents. If the judge approves your name change, the court will issue a name change order.
Once you have the name change order, you can begin using your new name immediately. However, you will need to change all of your documents and records to reflect your new name. This can be done by contacting the Social Security Administration, the Department of Motor Vehicles, and other government agencies.
It can take several weeks or months to update all of your documents and records. However, once your name has been changed, it will be official and your new name will be listed on your official documents.
How do you change your name legally in Maryland?
In Maryland, you can change your name through a legal process known as a name change petition. There are a few steps you must take in order to complete a name change petition.
First, you must complete and file a name change petition with the Circuit Court in the county where you reside. The petition must include your name, date of birth, and Social Security number. You must also provide a copy of your driver’s license or passport, and a copy of your current name and address.
You must also publish a notice of your name change in a local newspaper. The notice must include your name, date of birth, and the county where you reside.
Finally, you must attend a hearing with the Circuit Court. The court will review your petition and may ask you some questions about your name change. If the court approves your petition, you will be issued a new birth certificate and driver’s license reflecting your new name.
What is a legitimate reason to change your name?
There are many reasons why someone might choose to change their name. Some people might change their name because they have married or divorced and want to take their spouse’s name. Other people might change their name because they want to change their image or because they want to make it easier for people to remember them. While there are many reasons why someone might choose to change their name, there are also many reasons why someone might not be able to change their name.
One of the most common reasons why people want to change their name is because they have married or divorced and want to take their spouse’s name. In most cases, this is a legitimate reason to change your name. However, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you will need to change your name with all of the government agencies that you deal with, including the Social Security Administration, the Department of Motor Vehicles, and your passport office. Second, you will need to make sure that your name change is reflected in your will and other legal documents. Finally, you will need to make sure that you update your name on all of your accounts, including your bank accounts, credit cards, and insurance policies.
Another common reason why people want to change their name is because they want to change their image. For example, some people might want to change their name to something that is more professional or more glamorous. While this is a legitimate reason to change your name, it can be more difficult to do than simply taking your spouse’s name after a divorce. You will need to go through the same process as you would if you were changing your name for other reasons, including updating your name with all of the relevant government agencies and updating your name on all of your accounts.
Finally, there are a few reasons why someone might want to change their name that are not legitimate. For example, some people might want to change their name to avoid being caught by the police or to avoid paying their debts. While it is technically possible to change your name for these reasons, it is not advisable. If you are caught using a false name, you could be arrested or you could be sued by the people that you owe money to.
How long does it take to legally change your name?
There is no one answer to the question of how long it takes to legally change your name. The process can vary depending on the state in which you reside. Generally speaking, the process will involve filing a name change petition with the court, publishing a notice of the name change in a local newspaper, and obtaining a court order approving the name change. However, there may be additional steps required, such as notifying certain government agencies or obtaining a passport or driver’s license in your new name.
The amount of time it will take to complete the name change process will also depend on how complex your case is and how busy the court is at the time. In some cases, the process can be completed in a matter of weeks. In other cases, it may take several months.
If you are interested in legally changing your name, it is best to consult with an attorney who can advise you on the specific requirements in your state.
Can I change my last name without getting married?
There is no one definitive answer to this question. It depends on the situation and on the laws of the jurisdiction in which you live.
In most cases, you can change your last name without getting married, but you may need to go through a legal process. This process will vary depending on your jurisdiction.
If you are a U.S. citizen, you can generally change your name by filing a petition with the court. You will need to provide evidence of your name change, such as a copy of your marriage certificate or a court order changing your name.
If you are not a U.S. citizen, you may need to go through a more complicated process. You may need to obtain a visa or a residence permit in order to live in the jurisdiction where you want to change your name. You may also need to provide evidence of your name change, such as a copy of your marriage certificate or a court order changing your name.
How quickly can you change your name?
When most people think about changing their name, they assume it will be a long, complicated process. However, while there are a few steps involved, changing your name can be a relatively quick and easy process.
The first step is to decide on a new name. This can be anything you want, as long as it is not already taken. Once you have a name in mind, you will need to file a Petition for Name Change with your local court. This document will include your current name, your proposed new name, and a list of reasons why you would like to change your name.
Once the petition is filed, the court will review it and may ask for additional information. If everything is in order, the court will issue an Order for Name Change. This order will allow you to officially change your name. You will need to present a copy of the order to all of the organizations and agencies that have your current name on file, such as your bank, your employer, and the DMV. They will then update their records with your new name.
The entire process typically takes between two and four weeks. However, if you need to change your name more quickly for some reason, you can ask the court for an expedited order.