How can I change my last name?

Question

Yeah, apparently when I was born, the nurse or doctor wrote down the wrong last name for me. So I've had the wrong last name for the past 30 years, and now its causing me problems. The original hospital where I was born at no longer exist anymore, so where can I go and get it changed, and for how much will it cost as well?

Answer 1

You have to go down to your local county courthouse and ask for the papers and the instructions on how to file to be granted a name change.  You will have to pay not only to file with the court, but you will have to have your name change published in the newspaper for a few weeks (sometimes this is included when you file with the court, but ask them to make sure).  After you file it and the name change has been published they will probably hold a 5 minute hearing so that the judge can ask you a few questions, like why you are changing it, are you doing it willingly, etc.  He will then probably sign the order and then you should be all set.  Get a copy of the Order that the judge signs granting your name change.

Answer 2

Unless you put it in your question, we can't tell what country you are in. It is the most frustrating thing Yahoo does. It doesn't matter if you go into domestic Yahoo or one of the International Yahoos - UK, Australia, Canada, India - all of the questions in English go into one big "pot".

In my state, California, you call the clerk at the county courthouse. You fill out a form and pay $320. You also take out a "Legal Notice" in a local newspaper for four weeks. That cost is in addition to the $320. If no one objects, you get your decree.

Every time you apply for a new passport, driver's license, etc. you will need to mail in or show a notarized copy of the decree. If you have to mail one in and don't get it back, chalk up another $25 or so.

The procedure is the same in all counties in California, although the cost may vary. I suspect the procedure is about the same in most states in the USA, although the cost and the length of time may vary.

If you are in the UK, say so and one of the UK people will explain deed polls to you.

Answer 3

I don't have all the details for you, but I wanted you to know that it can be done in about 6 weeks and it's around $60.  One place to start is if your city has a court reporter paper - a publication put out by the courts...I've seen ads in there that advertise you are about to change your name.  You have to place an ad for a certain amount of time, kinda like make sure no one objects-type thing before the judge changes it.  If not a court paper, it will probably have to be put in the newspaper.  Start out by checking with the probate section of the court where you live.  There will be a fee for posting the change and court costs.  Good luck.