To change your name in Alabama, you will need to complete some name change forms and file a name change petition with the family court of Alabama County, along with the required court fee. There are various reasons why you may want to change your legal or family name, such as taking on your spouse's name, changing a child's name, or changing your name after marriage or divorce. Changing one's name is a legal process that involves adopting a new name other than the one given at birth or through marriage, divorce, or adoption. As long as the Name Change does not cause harm to anyone else, anyone can legally change their name by following the required procedure. However, this process can be overwhelming due to the filing of petitions and other formalities. The Name Change Alabama team can assist you with the name change process. At Name Change Alabama, we are dedicated to helping individuals in Alabama County with their name change filing.
It is important to note that Alabama law requires that you publish notice of your name change in a local newspaper. Additionally, the court may require a background check and fingerprinting before granting a name change petition. It is recommended that you consult with an attorney for guidance on the name change process in Alabama.
Name Change Process in Alabama
The legal name change process in Alabama generally involves the following steps:
- Obtain a petition for name change form from the probate court in the county where you reside.
- Fill out the petition form with your current name, the name you want to change to, and the reason for the name change.
- File the petition with the probate court and pay the filing fee. The fee varies by county.
- Once the petition is filed, you will need to publish a notice of the name change in a local newspaper for four consecutive weeks. The purpose of this is to notify the public of your name change and give them an opportunity to object.
- Attend the court hearing for your name change petition. The hearing is usually scheduled within 30 to 60 days after filing the petition. At the Name Change Case Hearing, you will need to present evidence supporting your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or other legal document. The judge may also ask you questions to verify your identity and ensure that you are not changing your name for fraudulent purposes.
- If the judge approves your petition, you will be issued a court order for the name change. The court order will include your new name and will serve as legal proof of your name change.
- Use the court order to update your name on all legal documents, such as your driver's license, passport, and social security card.
It is important to note that the name change process in Alabama can be time-consuming and may require a background check and fingerprinting. It is recommended that you consult with an attorney for guidance on the name change process and to ensure that you meet all of the legal requirements.
What is The Name Change Cost in Alabama
The cost of a legal name change in Alabama varies by county. Typically, there is a filing fee to submit the petition for a name change to the probate court. This fee can range from around $100 to $200 depending on the county. Additionally, you may need to pay for a background check and fingerprinting, which can add to the overall cost. The cost for these services varies, but you can expect to pay around $50 to $100 for a background check and $10 to $20 for fingerprinting. You may also need to pay for the publication of the Notice of Name Change in a local newspaper. The cost of this varies by newspaper, but you can expect to pay around $50 to $100 for each publication. It is important to note that these costs are estimates and may vary depending on your specific circumstances and the county where you are filing your petition. It is recommended that you consult with an attorney or the probate court in your county for more information on the cost of a legal name change in Alabama.
How To Change Your Name After Divorce Name in Alabama
If you are going through a divorce in Alabama and wish to change your name as a result of the divorce, you can request a name change as part of the divorce proceedings. Here are the steps you can follow:
- When you file for Divorce Name Change, you can include a request to change your name as part of the divorce proceedings. This can be done in the divorce petition or in a separate motion.
- The request for a name change should include your current name, the name you wish to change to, and the reason for the name change.
- If your spouse does not object to the name change request, the court will likely grant the request as part of the divorce decree.
- If your spouse does object, the court will hold a hearing to determine if the name change is appropriate.
- Once the court approves the name change request, you can use the divorce decree to update your name on all legal documents, such as your driver's license, passport, and social security card.
Surname Change After Divorce in Alabama
In Alabama, you can change your surname (last name) after a divorce by following the regular legal name change process. Here are the steps you can follow:
- Obtain a petition for name change form from the probate court in the county where you reside.
- Fill out the petition form with your current name, the name you want to change to (including your desired surname), and the reason for the name change.
- File the petition with the probate court and pay the filing fee. The fee varies by county.
- Once the petition is filed, you will need to publish a Notice of Name Change in a local newspaper for four consecutive weeks. The purpose of this is to notify the public of your name change and give them an opportunity to object.
- Attend the court hearing for your name change petition. The hearing is usually scheduled within 30 to 60 days after filing the petition. At the hearing, you will need to present evidence supporting your name change, such as a divorce decree or other legal document. The judge may also ask you questions to verify your identity and ensure that you are not changing your name for fraudulent purposes.
- If the judge approves your petition, you will be issued a court order for the name change. The court order will include your new name, including your desired surname, and serve as legal proof of your name change.
- Use the court order to update your name on all legal documents, such as your driver's license, passport, and social security card.
Divorce Name Change Case Filing in Alabama
If you are filing for divorce in Alabama and want to change your name as part of the divorce proceedings, you can include a request for a name change in your divorce petition or file a separate motion for a name change. Here are the steps you can follow:
- Obtain the appropriate divorce forms from the probate court in the county where you or your spouse resides.
- In the divorce petition or motion, include a request for a name change. Provide your current name, the name you wish to change to, and the reason for the name change.
- File the divorce petition or motion with the probate court and pay the filing fee. The fee varies by county.
- Serve a copy of the petition or motion on your spouse, along with a summons to appear in court.
- If your spouse does not object to the Name Change Request, the court will likely grant the request as part of the divorce decree. The divorce decree will serve as legal proof of your name change.
- If your spouse objects to the name change request, the court will hold a hearing to determine if the name change is appropriate. You will need to present evidence supporting your name change request at the hearing.
- Once the court approves the name change request, you can use the divorce decree to update your name on all legal documents, such as your driver's license, passport, and social security card.
If you do not request a name change as part of the divorce proceedings, you will need to follow the regular name change process in Alabama, which involves filing a petition with the probate court, publishing a notice in a local newspaper, and attending a court hearing.
Divorce Name Change Filing Process in Alabama
If you are getting divorced and wish to change your name as part of the process, here is a general overview of the steps involved in the name change filing process:
Decide on a New Name: Before you can begin the filing process, you must decide on a new name. This could be your maiden name (if you took your spouse's last name), a hyphenated name, or a completely new name altogether. Be sure to check the laws in your state to ensure that the name you choose is legal.
Include Name Change Request in Divorce Petition: When you file for divorce, you can include a request to change your name as part of the petition. This will depend on the rules in your state, but typically, you can include a section in the petition that allows you to request a name change.
Wait for Court Approval: Once you have filed your petition and included your name change request, you will need to wait for the court to approve it. Depending on the backlog of cases in your area, this could take several weeks or even months.
Obtain a Certified Copy of the Divorce Decree: Once the divorce is finalized, you will need to obtain a certified copy of the divorce decree from the court. This document will serve as proof of your name change.
Update your Identification Documents: Once you have your certified copy of the divorce decree, you can begin updating your identification documents, such as your driver's license, passport, and social security card. Each agency will have its own requirements for name changes, so be sure to check with each one to ensure that you have all the necessary documentation.
Overall, the Name Change Filing Process can be a bit complicated, but by following these steps and being patient, you can successfully change your name as part of your divorce proceedings.Divorce Name Change Cost in Alabama
The cost of a divorce name change can vary depending on several factors, such as the state you live in, the court fees in your area, and whether you choose to hire an attorney to help with the process. Here are some of the potential costs you may encounter when changing your name as part of a divorce:
Court Fees: Depending on the state and court where you file your divorce, there may be fees associated with the name change process. These fees can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on the complexity of your case and the local court rules.
Attorney Fees: If you choose to hire an attorney to help with your divorce and name change, you can expect to pay legal fees. The cost of an attorney can vary widely depending on their experience, location, and the complexity of your case.
Filing Fees for Updated Identification Documents: Once you have your certified copy of the divorce decree, you will need to update your identification documents, such as your driver's license, passport, and social security card. Each agency may have its own fees associated with updating your documents, which can add up over time.
Other Potential Costs: Depending on your situation, there may be other costs associated with changing your name as part of a divorce. For example, if you have professional licenses or memberships, you may need to update those as well, which could result in additional fees.
Overall, the cost of a divorce name change can vary widely depending on your specific circumstances. It's a good idea to research the fees and requirements in your state and talk to an attorney if you need help navigating the process.
Last Name Change in Alabama
In Alabama, you can change your last name (surname) by following the legal name change process. Here are the steps you can follow:
- Obtain a petition for name change form from the probate court in the county where you reside.
- Fill out the petition form with your Legal Current Name, the name you want to change (including your desired last name), and the reason for the name change.
- File the petition with the probate court and pay the filing fee. The fee varies by county.
- Once the petition is filed, you will need to publish a notice of the name change in a local newspaper for four consecutive weeks. The purpose of this is to notify the public of your name change and give them an opportunity to object.
- Attend the court hearing for your name change petition. The hearing is usually scheduled within 30 to 60 days after filing the petition. At the hearing, you will need to present evidence supporting your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or other legal document. The judge may also ask you questions to verify your identity and ensure that you are not changing your name for fraudulent purposes.
- If the judge approves your petition, you will be issued a court order for the name change. The court order will include your new name, including your desired last name, and will serve as legal proof of your name change.
- Use the court order to update your name on all legal documents, such as your driver's license, passport, and social security card.
Last Name Change Cost in Alabama
The cost of changing your last name can vary depending on the reason for the change, the state or country you reside in, and the method you choose for changing your name. Here are some potential costs you may encounter when changing your last name:
Marriage: If you are changing your last name due to marriage, the cost may be relatively low. You will need to obtain a certified copy of your marriage certificate, which usually costs around $10 to $20, and update your identification documents, such as your driver's license, passport, and social security card, which may have associated fees.
Divorce: If you are changing your last name as part of a divorce, the Name Change Cost will depend on the fees associated with the divorce proceedings, as well as the cost of updating your identification documents.
Petition for Name Change: If you are changing your last name for reasons other than marriage or divorce, you will need to file a petition for a name change. The cost of filing this petition varies by state but can range from $150 to $500 or more. You may also need to pay for legal notices to be published in a local newspaper, which can cost several hundred dollars.
Legal Assistance: If you choose to hire an attorney to help with the name change process, you will incur legal fees that can vary depending on the complexity of your case and the attorney's hourly rate.
Family Name Change in Alabama
In Alabama, you can change your family name (surname) by following the legal name change process. This process is the same whether you want to change your individual last name or your entire family's last name. Here are the steps you can follow:
- Obtain a petition for name change form from the probate court in the county where you reside.
- Fill out the petition form with the current name of all family members, the name you want to change to (including your desired family name), and the reason for the name change.
- File the petition with the probate court and pay the filing fee. The fee varies by county.
- Once the petition is filed, you will need to publish a notice of the name change in a local newspaper for four consecutive weeks. The purpose of this is to notify the public of your name change and give them an opportunity to object.
- Attend the court hearing for your Family Name Change petition. The hearing is usually scheduled within 30 to 60 days after filing the petition. At the hearing, you will need to present evidence supporting your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or other legal document. The judge may also ask you questions to verify your identity and ensure that you are not changing your name for fraudulent purposes.
- If the judge approves your petition, you will be issued a court order for the name change. The court order will include your new family name and will serve as legal proof of your name change.
- Use the court order to update your name on all legal documents, such as your driver's licenses, passports, and social security cards, as well as any other legal documents for your family members.
Who Can File for Family Name Change in Alabama
In Alabama, any member of a family can file a petition for a family name change. This includes a husband, wife, or child who wishes to change their last name to a new family name. However, the petitioner must be at least 18 years old or have a legal guardian file on their behalf. If the petitioner is a minor, the legal guardian must provide consent and sign the Family Name Change Petition. It is important to note that all family members who will be affected by the name change must be included in the petition. This includes spouses, children, and any other family members who share the same last name. Each family member who is included in the petition must also provide their consent to the name change. Additionally, the petitioner must meet all legal requirements for the name change, including providing a valid reason for the change and publishing a notice of the name change in a local newspaper. It is recommended that you consult with an attorney for guidance on the name change process and to ensure that you meet all of the legal requirements.
Family Name Change Procedure in Alabama
The procedure for changing a family name (also known as a surname) can vary depending on the reason for the change and the laws in your country or state. Here is a general overview of the procedure for changing a family name:
Determine the Reason for the Name Change: Family name changes can be done for various reasons, such as marriage, divorce, or personal preference. The process for changing your name will depend on the reason for the change.
Check the Legal Requirements in Your Country or State: The requirements for changing a family name can vary depending on where you live. In some places, you may need to go through a court process, while in others, you may be able to change your name through a simpler administrative process. It's important to check the legal requirements in your country or state to ensure that you follow the proper procedure.
Gather the Necessary Documentation: Depending on the reason for the name change and the requirements in your country or state, you may need to gather certain documentation, such as a marriage certificate or a court order. Be sure to check the specific requirements for your situation.
File a petition or application: Depending on the requirements in your country or state, you may need to file a petition or application to officially change your family name. This may involve filling out forms and paying fees.
Update your Identification Documents: Once your name change is approved, you will need to update your identification documents, such as your driver's license, passport, and social security card. Each agency will have its own requirements for name changes, so be sure to check with each one to ensure that you have all the necessary documentation.
Overall, the procedure for changing a family name can be complex, and the requirements can vary depending on your situation and the laws in your country or state. It's important to do your research and seek legal advice if necessary to ensure that you follow the proper procedure and avoid any complications.
Family Name Change Cost in Alabama
The cost of changing your family name can vary depending on the reason for the change and the laws in your country or state. Here are some potential costs you may encounter when Changing Your Family Name:
Administrative Fees: If you are changing your family name for reasons such as marriage or adoption, there may be administrative fees associated with the name change process. These fees can vary by country or state, but are generally relatively low, ranging from around $10 to $200.
Court Fees: If you are changing your family name for reasons such as divorce or personal preference, you may need to file a petition with the court to officially change your name. This can involve paying court fees, which can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on the court and the complexity of your case.
Legal Fees: If you choose to hire an attorney to help with the name change process, you will incur legal fees that can vary depending on the complexity of your case and the attorney's hourly rate. The cost of legal fees can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.
Updating Identification Documents: Once your family name change is approved, you will need to update your identification documents, such as your driver's license, passport, and social security card. Each agency may have its own fees associated with updating your documents, which can add up over time.
Overall, the cost of changing your family name can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on your specific circumstances. It's a good idea to research the fees and requirements in your country or state and consider your options carefully before proceeding with a name change.
Minor Name Change in Alabama
In Alabama, a minor (a person under the age of 18) can change their name by following the legal name change process. Here are the steps:
- Obtain a petition for name change form from the probate court in the county where you reside.
- Fill out the petition form with the minor's current name, the name you want to change to (including the minor's desired first, middle, and last names), and the reason for the name change.
- File the petition with the probate court and pay the Minor Name Change Filing Fee. The fee varies by county.
- Once the petition is filed, you will need to publish a notice of the name change in a local newspaper for four consecutive weeks. The purpose of this is to notify the public of the name change and give them an opportunity to object.
- Attend the court hearing for the name change petition. The hearing is usually scheduled within 30 to 60 days after filing the petition. At the hearing, you will need to present evidence supporting the name change, such as a birth certificate, and the minor's consent to the name change. If the minor is too young to provide consent, the legal guardian must provide consent and sign the petition.
- If the judge approves the petition, a court order for the name change will be issued. The court order will include the minor's new name and will serve as legal proof of the name change.
- Use the court order to update the minor's name on all legal documents, such as their birth certificate, social security card, and driver's license.
Minor Name Change Cost in Alabama
The cost of changing a minor's name can vary depending on the reason for the change and the laws in your country or state. Here are some potential costs you may encounter when changing a minor's name:
Administrative Fees: If you are changing a minor's name for reasons such as adoption, there may be administrative fees associated with the name change process. These fees can vary by country or state, but are generally relatively low, ranging from around $10 to $200.
Court Fees: If you are changing a minor's name for reasons such as divorce or personal preference, you may need to file a petition with the court to officially change their name. This can involve paying court fees, which can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on the court and the complexity of the case.
Legal Fees: If you choose to hire an attorney to help with the Name Change Process,, you will incur legal fees that can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the attorney's hourly rate. The cost of legal fees can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.
Updating Identification Documents: Once the minor's name change is approved, you will need to update their identification documents, such as their birth certificate, social security card, and passport. Each agency may have its own fees associated with updating these documents, which can add up over time.
Overall, the cost of changing a minor's name can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on the specific circumstances. It's important to research the fees and requirements in your country or state and consider your options carefully before proceeding with a name change. Additionally, if both parents are involved in the name change process, it's important to ensure that both parents agree to the name change and follow the proper legal procedures.
