I want to change my name, how do i go about doing that?

Question

I want to change my name, as i have recently gotten my citizenship i want to change my last name to something more American, how do i go about doing that? who do i contact? how much does it cost approx? thanks!

Answer 1

Aw, you shouldn't give up your last name just to appear more American.

This country is a melting pot of cultures, you should be proud of your heritage! My family changed their last name when they immigrated, and now I know nothing of my Polish ancestry  :[

If you want to get your name changed for no other reason than because you want to, then getting a court order involves following these steps in detail:

   1. Figure out what your state requires for paperwork. This can be determined by contacting a local lawyer, calling the court, or looking up the state statutes in a law library. Which court oversees this process depends on the state; it could be civil, probate or superior court. Usually it is done at the local level. A good place to start is with your county court.

   2. Once you know where to go, ask about the necessary filing forms. They typically include:

          * A petition for change of name.

          * An order granting change of name.

          * A legal backer form.

          * A notice of petition to the public, meaning an advertisement in a local newspaper.

          * An affidavit of consent by a parent/wife/husband, if applicable.

          * An affidavit of service of notification to authorities, necessary if you are an alien, ex-convict or attorney.

      The petition makes sure you meet the requirements, and you'll hand over your address and a copy of your birth certificate. The remainder of the papers are similar, but ascertain that others are aware of your change. The order granting change of name, for example, specifies in which newspaper you must publish your intent to change your name.

Answer 2

Immigration authorities changed my family name for us, they didn't care to listen to how it was spelled or pronounced, so they wrote it down as what they thought it was (or what they thought it should be), and that's how it was... That was back in the early 1900s though.

If I were you, I'd keep my name. But then again, as I said, 'if I were you' and I am not you. It is ultimately your call.