Articles Posted in Name Change

minor name change.jpgAs a Jacksonville Name Change Lawyer, I know how to legally change an adult’s name, and I have previously blogged on this topic. However, many individuals also desire to legally change the name of a minor child.

Getting a minor child’s name changed is quite similar to changing an adult’s name. After filing a “Petition for Change of Name” with the court, each adult Petitioner must have their fingerprints submitted for a state and national criminal history records check. Once the criminal records check comes back clear a Final Hearing may be scheduled before a Judge.

Although the process sounds relatively simple, there are issues that may and often do arise in which a Jacksonville Name Change Lawyer’s experience and knowledge become extremely beneficial. For example, if one parent is seeking to change the name of a minor child, but the other parent is nowhere to be found, it may be necessary to either get the absent parent’s consent to the name change or personally serve that parent or serve that parent through constructive service. In these situations, the assistance of a Jacksonville Name Change Attorney is priceless.

whats in a name.jpegChanging your name in Florida is generally not that difficult, especially if you have a Jacksonville Name Change Attorney‘s assistance. An experienced attorney can help you with the three main steps required to have your name changed. Specifically, a Jacksonville Name Change Attorney, can (1) help with drafting and filing the required Petition for Name Change, (2) help with filing a set of fingerprints and (3) schedule and attend a Final Hearing in front of a Judge.

Why fingerprints? The Court wants to insure that a Petitioner is not trying to evade any criminal proceedings or related issues. Florida Statute 68.07 reads as follows: “Before the court hearing on a petition for a name change, the petitioner must have fingerprints submitted for a state and national criminal history records check, except if a former name is being restored. Fingerprints for the petitioner shall be taken in a manner approved by the Department of Law Enforcement and shall be submitted electronically to the department for state processing for a criminal history records check. The department shall submit the fingerprints to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for national processing. The department shall submit the results of the state and national records check to the clerk of the court. The court shall consider the results in reviewing the information contained in the petition and evaluating whether to grant the petition. When a petition is filed which requires a criminal history records check, the clerk of the court shall instruct the petitioner on the process for having fingerprints taken and submitted, including providing information on law enforcement agencies or service providers authorized to submit fingerprints electronically to the Department of Law Enforcement. The cost of processing fingerprints and conducting the state and national criminal history records check required under this subsection shall be borne by the petitioner for the name change or by the parent or guardian of a minor for whom a name change is being sought.”

I know from experience that a Judge will typically grant a Petition for Name Change as long as the testimony presented at the Final Hearing suggests the petitioner did not file the Petition for any ulterior motive, such as to avoid creditors or criminal proceedings. If you want to change your name contact a Jacksonville Name Change Attorney at (904) 685-1200 to set up a free consultation.

name.jpgNewly married or divorced individuals can simply have their name changed through their marriage certificate or their divorce decree. However, if someone wants to change to a new name for other reasons, such as they simply don’t like their birth name, a court order is required.

The process to have an adult name change in Jacksonville involves; filing a Petition with the court, having a criminal background check done, having fingerprints taken, and appearing before a judge at a final hearing.

Should you want to change your name contact a Orange Park Name Change Attorney today for assistance with the process.

name.jpgNewly married or divorced individuals can simply have their name changed through their marriage certificate or their divorce decree. However, if someone wants to change to a new name for other reasons, such as they simply don’t like their birth name, a court order is required.

The process to have an adult name change in Jacksonville involves; filing a Petition with the court, having a criminal background check done, having fingerprints taken, and appearing before a judge at a final hearing.

Should you want to change your name contact a Jacksonville Name Change Attorney today for assistance with the process.

Name change.jpegFlorida residents seeking to change their name may do so by filing a Petition for Change of Name with the court in the county in which they reside. However, there are a few hoops that must be jumped prior to the court granting a name change. In particular, fingerprints must be submitted for a state and national criminal records search.

Also, the Petition must be verified and show numerous things, including:

  • the Petitioner is a bona fide resident of the county where the name change is sought
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