Knowing the requirements and procedures involved when filing your name change in Alabama is essential. Whether you are changing your name due to marriage, divorce, or personal reasons, it is a significant decision that can have long-term consequences. In this article, we will guide you through everything you need to consider before changing your name in Alabama. "Name Change Alabama" is a website that provides information and services related to legal name changes in the state of Alabama.
Reasons For Changing Your Name in Alabama
People change their names for a variety of reasons, including marriage, divorce, adoption, or simply because they don't like their current name. The most common reasons for changing your name in Alabama are:
Name Change After Marriage
One of the most common reasons people change their name is due to marriage. In Alabama, you have the option to take your spouse's last name or to hyphenate your last name with your spouse's last name.
Name Change After Divorce
Another common reason for changing your name in Alabama is divorce. In Alabama, you can request a name change in your divorce decree.
Name Change Due To Personal Reasons
You may also want to change your name for personal reasons, such as to honor a family member, to distance yourself from a troubled past, or simply because you don't like your current name.
Requirements For Changing Your Name in Alabama
Before you can change your name in Alabama, you must meet certain requirements and follow specific procedures. Here are the requirements for changing your name in Alabama:
Age Requirements
In Alabama, you must be at least 19 years old to change your name without the consent of your parents or legal guardian. If you are under 19, you must have the consent of your parents or legal guardian.
Criminal Record Check
Before you can change your name in Alabama, you must undergo a criminal record check. This is to ensure that you are not changing your name for fraudulent purposes.
Name Change Petition
To change your name in Alabama, you must file a Name Change Petition with the probate court in the county where you reside. The petition must include your current name, the name you wish to use, the reason for the name change, and other personal information.
Publication Requirements
In Alabama, you must publish a notice of your name change in a newspaper in the county where you reside. This is to inform the public of your name change and to allow anyone who objects to the name change to come forward.
Steps To Changing Your Name in Alabama
Here are the steps to legally change your name in Alabama:
Filing Your Petition
To File Your Name Change Petition, you must visit the probate court. You will need to bring your identification, the completed petition form, and the filing fee. Once you submit your petition, the court will schedule a hearing.
Criminal Record Check
Before your name change hearing, you must undergo a criminal record check. You can do this by visiting a local law enforcement agency or the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA). The criminal record check must be conducted within 30 days of your name change hearing.
Publication of Name Change
Once your criminal record check is complete, you must publish a notice of your name change in a newspaper in the county where you reside. The notice must run once a week for four consecutive weeks, and you must provide proof of publication to the court.
Name Change Hearing
After the publication period is complete, the court will schedule a name change hearing. You must attend the hearing and provide any necessary documentation, such as your criminal record check and proof of publication. The judge will review your petition and may ask you questions about your name change.
If the judge approves your name change, you will receive a court order granting your name change. You will need to keep a copy of this court order as proof of your legal name change.
Changing Your Name After Marriage in Alabama
If you are Changing your Name after Marriage in Alabama, there are a few additional steps you must take. Here's what you need to do:
Marriage License Name Change
When you apply for your marriage license, you can indicate that you wish to change your name. Your marriage license will serve as proof of your name change.
Social Security Name Change
After your marriage, you must update your name with the Social Security Administration (SSA). You can do this by visiting your local SSA office and providing your marriage license and other identification.
Driver's License Name Change
To update your name on your driver's license, you must visit your local Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. You will need to provide your marriage license, your current driver's license, and other identification.
Passport Name Change
To update your name on your passport, you must complete Form DS-11 and submit it in person at an acceptance facility. You will need to provide your marriage license and other identification.
Changing Your Name After Divorce in Alabama
If you are changing your name after divorce in Alabama, here are the steps you need to take:
Divorce Decree Name Change
You can request a name change in your divorce decree. The court will include your new name in the decree, which will serve as proof of your name change.
Social Security Name Change
After your divorce, you must update your name with the Social Security Administration (SSA). You can do this by visiting your local SSA office and providing your divorce decree and other identification.
Driver's License Name Change
To update your name on your driver's license, you must visit your local Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. You will need to provide your divorce decree, your current driver's license, and other identification.
Passport Name Change
To update your name on your passport, you must complete Form DS-11 and submit it in person at an acceptance facility. You will need to provide your divorce decree and other identification.
Updating Your Name on Official Documents and Accounts
After you legally change your name in Alabama, Update your name on various official documents and accounts. Here are some of the most common places you will need to update your name:
- Social Security
- Driver's License
- Passport
- Bank Accounts
- Insurance Policies
- Employer Records
- Utilities and Other Accounts
Changing your name in Alabama is a straightforward process, but it requires careful planning and attention to detail. Before you make the decision to change your name, consider the legal and practical implications, including the costs and the potential impact on your personal and professional relationships.
If you decide to proceed with a name change, be sure to follow all the necessary steps given in this article.
