Name Changes in Georgia
Name Change in Georgia: Legal Guidance from an Alpharetta Family Law Attorney
Whether you are looking to change your name due to marriage, divorce, personal reasons, or for another legal purpose, it’s important to understand the proper process under Georgia law. A name change is a legal matter that requires following specific procedures and submitting the right documentation to the court. At Hastings Shadmehry, our Alpharetta family law attorneys are experienced in guiding clients through the name change process efficiently, ensuring that your request is handled correctly and legally.
When Can You Legally Change Your Name in Georgia?
In Georgia, individuals can petition for a name change for various reasons. Some of the most common reasons people pursue a legal name change include:
- Marriage: One of the most common reasons for a name change is after getting married, when one spouse adopts the other’s surname.
- Divorce: If you choose to return to your maiden name or change to a previous name after a divorce, you can request a name change through the court process.
- Personal Preference: If you wish to change your first, middle, or last name for personal reasons, such as aligning your name with your gender identity, religious beliefs, or simply for personal convenience.
- Child Name Change: If you are a parent and wish to change your child’s name, the process is more involved and requires the consent of both parents (unless one parent’s rights have been terminated).
The Legal Process for Changing Your Name in Georgia
The process for changing your name in Georgia generally involves several important steps:
- File a Petition: To begin the name change process, you must file a petition with the Superior Court in the county where you reside. This petition will include the reason for the name change and the desired new name.
- Notice of Petition: In most cases, you will be required to publish a notice of your name change petition in a local newspaper for a period of four weeks. This is done to inform the public of your request and allow anyone to contest the name change.
- Court Hearing: After the publication period, the court will schedule a hearing to review your petition. During the hearing, you will have to provide evidence of your identity and explain the reasons for the name change. The judge will consider factors such as the reason for the name change and whether the new name is in the public interest.
- Judgment and Name Change Order: If the judge approves your petition, they will issue an order granting your name change. This official order can then be used to update your name on legal documents, such as your driver’s license, Social Security records, and bank accounts.
Changing Your Name After Divorce
Many people choose to change their name after a divorce, especially if they took their spouse’s surname during the marriage. Under Georgia law, you have the right to revert to your maiden name or a previous name after divorce. This can be done as part of the divorce process, or as a separate legal action afterward.
Name Change for Children
If you are a parent seeking to change your child’s name, you will need to follow additional steps. Both parents must generally consent to the name change unless one parent’s parental rights have been terminated or they are unavailable. In some cases, if a parent does not consent, a judge will decide whether the name change is in the child’s best interest. Courts will also consider whether the child has already been known by the desired name and the relationship between the child and both parents.
Why You Need an Experienced Family Law Attorney
While the process of changing your name may seem straightforward, there can be complexities, especially when it comes to name changes for children or contested cases. Having an experienced Alpharetta family law attorney from Hastings Shadmehry can ensure that the process is handled correctly, without unnecessary delays. We will guide you through each step, help with the required paperwork, and represent your best interests in court if needed.
Contact Hastings Shadmehry for Your Name Change Needs
If you are seeking a name change in Georgia, whether for yourself or your child, the experienced Alpharetta family law attorneys at Hastings Shadmehry are here to help. We provide comprehensive legal services to assist with all aspects of the name change process, ensuring that everything is done legally and efficiently.
Contact us today at 770-641-8200 or email us to schedule a consultation. Let us guide you through the process and help you achieve your desired outcome.
Common Questions About Name Changes in Georgia
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Can I Change My Name to Anything I Want?
While you have the right to request a name change, the court will consider whether the new name is reasonable and in the public interest. The court may deny a name change request if it is deemed fraudulent, confusing, or made for unlawful purposes.
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How Long Does the Name Change Process Take?
The entire name change process typically takes several weeks to a few months, depending on the specifics of the case and any issues that arise during the publication period or court hearing.
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Can I Change My Child’s Name Without the Other Parent’s Consent?
In Georgia, you generally need the consent of both parents to change your child’s name. If one parent does not consent, you may still be able to proceed, but a judge will decide whether it is in the best interest of the child.
