If you are looking to legally change your last name in the state of Florida, you will need to begin by filling out a Petition to Change Name form. You can find this form from the Florida Department of Legal Affairs website, or from the local court clerk in the county you reside in.
After completing this form, sign the document in the presence of the notary public and file it with the court clerk. The court clerk will check for any objections to your name change and will provide you with a hearing date.
At the hearing, you must appear in court and present evidence of your identity, provide reasoning for your request, and have notified any relevant agencies about the change. Once approved, the court will issue a court order that legally changes your name.
After the name change is approved, the court may require you to publish the name change in a local newspaper. Once all of these steps have been taken, you may acquire a new driver’s license, social security card, and other official documents with your new name.
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How much does it cost to legally change your last name in Florida?
The cost to legally change your last name in Florida depends on the method you choose to use.
If you choose to file a Petition for Change of Name with the court, the process begins with the completion and filing of a Petition for Change of Name with the clerk of the circuit court in the county in which you currently reside.
The current cost to file the petition is $489. This fee includes the filing fee, an investigative fee, and a local newspaper advertising fee.
If you choose to use an attorney to represent you in the name change process, you will likely pay a retainer or flat rate fee in addition to the $489 filing fee if your attorney opts to file the petition for you.
The cost for this will vary based on the size and complexity of the case and the individual attorney’s fee schedule.
If you choose to obtain a Name and Gender Change Certificate from the Florida Department of Health, you will need to complete the Name and Gender Change Application, provide valid identification and supporting documents, and submit the application and any applicable fees by mail.
The cost for this process is currently $90.
You may also consider publishing a notice of the name change in a local newspaper as part of the legal process. The cost of this will vary depending on the size of the notice, the newspaper in which it is published, and the length of time the notice must run.
No matter which method you choose, you must also update any necessary legal documents and personal records, such as a driver’s license, vehicle registration, Social Security Card, bank accounts, credit cards, and any other documents with your prior name on them.
You may have to pay fees for some of these documents as well.
How quickly can you change your name?
The amount of time it takes to change your name can vary depending on your situation and the laws of the state you live in. Generally speaking, you must apply for a court order to legally change your name.
This can involve gathering various documents and filing them with the appropriate court.
In most states, you must obtain a name-change application form from the court and submit it with a filing fee. Then, you must publish notice of the name change in a local newspaper of record. After the required waiting period, the court will review your petition and either approve or deny it.
If the petition is approved, you will be required to submit a certified copy of the court order to any government agencies or financial institutions where you have accounts in your old name. The name change could take anywhere from two to six months to be fully processed, depending on your individual circumstances.
How much is a name change in the state of Florida?
The cost of a name change in the state of Florida depends on the type of name change and the circumstances of the individual filing. Typically, those who are petitioning for a name change due to marriage, adoption or a common law marriage can expect to pay between $100 and $400 in fees.
Those who wish to proceed with a formal court-ordered name change may have to pay upwards of $500–$600 in court costs and filing fees. This amount can also vary depending on the county in which you are filing and certain fees may also be subject to change.
Additionally, an attorney may be able to assist in obtaining a name change, but this may incur additional fees and costs.
Can I just go back to using my maiden name?
Yes, you can go back to using your maiden name. If your state rules allow you to change your name without going to court, all you need to do is to fill out a form, pay a fee, and present documentation.
Depending on your state, you may also need to have a notice published in the local paper. Once you have taken the necessary steps to legally change your name, you can use it for all purposes, including financial documents and IDs.
Can you change your surname without getting a divorce?
Yes, you can change your surname without getting a divorce. Depending on where you live, the exact process can vary, but it generally involves filing a request form with a court and providing various documentation.
In some states, you can both change your surname when you apply for a marriage license. Some states also allow the change if you can provide evidence of your intent to use the new surname. Once you’ve filled out the required paperwork and provided the necessary documentation, you will then likely have to attend a hearing before a judge.
If the judge approves the request, then you are able to change your surname without getting a divorce.
