Jacksonville Name Change Attorney

There are many situations that could lead to an individual wanting to change names legally. This can have a profound effect on the rest of the person's life, as it can end the association with the name of another person such as a notorious family member, unwanted family connections, a former spouse or just gain a new name that is memorable or easier to spell.

Changing a name legally is a specific procedure, and I can help you with this process. The legal action taken is different for adults and minor children. In either case, my law firm, Charles E. Willmott, P.A., is able to help smooth the way and make the process easier for you.

Ready to make your name change official? Contact a Jacksonville name change attorney today for a free legal consultation! Call us at (904) 849-5183 or reach out online to get started.

Common Reasons for a Name Change

Some of the reasons a person may want to change their name include, but are not limited to:

• Needing a driver's license with a name that matches an informal name a person has been using due to more recent upgrades in security.
• Wanting to change a child's name so there is no connection with someone you don't want the child to be associated with.
• Unmarried gay or lesbian couples wanting the same surname to ease financial transactions.
• Partners adopting their spouse’s last name upon marriage or reverting to their maiden name after divorce.
• Adoptive parents wishing to change the child’s surname to reflect the new family identity.
• Individuals undergoing gender transition seeking alignment between their legal name and their gender identity.

There are many unique reasons why any person may want to change a name, and the process remains the same for each. If you are getting divorced, you have the right to change your name during the process without paying the court added fees for the name change.

Eligibility Requirements for a Name Change in Florida

Changing your name in Florida involves specific eligibility criteria that applicants must meet. Here are the key points to consider:

• Age Requirements: Individuals 18 years or older can petition for a name change independently. For those under 18, both parents or legal guardians must consent to the name change. If one parent is absent, the petitioner may need to demonstrate that reasonable efforts were made to notify the other parent.
• Residency: Applicants must be residents of Florida. 
• Criminal History: Individuals with felony convictions may face additional scrutiny. While it’s not an outright disqualification, those with a criminal history may need to provide a clear rationale for the name change, especially if the change is perceived as an attempt to evade legal issues.
• Intent: The name change must not be pursued for fraudulent purposes, such as escaping debts or legal obligations. The court will review your intent during the hearing.
• Mental Competency: Petitioners must demonstrate mental competency. If there are any concerns regarding the applicant's mental health, the court may require further evaluation.
• Publication of Notice: As part of the process, you may be required to publish a notice of your name change in a local newspaper to inform the public and allow for objections. This applies to most cases, but there are exceptions in certain circumstances, such as domestic violence victims seeking confidentiality.

The Name Change Process in Florida

Changing your name in Florida involves a structured legal process that begins with verifying eligibility, including age, residency, and intent. The applicant must file a Petition for Change of Name with the local circuit court, complete a background check, and publish a notice in a local newspaper to inform the public of the request. 

Following the publication period, a court hearing is scheduled where the judge will review the petition and any objections that may have been raised. If approved, the court will issue a Final Judgment for Change of Name, legally recognizing the new name. 

While the process can be straightforward, complexities may arise, particularly for those with criminal histories or minors requiring parental consent. Consulting with a qualified Jacksonville attorney can help navigate these steps effectively and ensure compliance with all legal requirements.

Connect with a name change lawyer in Jacksonville for a free legal consultation by calling (904) 849-5183 or filling out our online contact form. We’re here to help!

The Importance of Updating Records

Once a name change is legally recognized, it’s crucial to update your identification and legal documents accordingly. This includes:

• Driver’s License and State ID: Contact the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to update your identification.
• Social Security Records: Inform the Social Security Administration to ensure your records reflect your new name.
• Bank Accounts: Notify your bank and other financial institutions to update your account information.
• Other Legal Documents: Don’t forget to update wills, insurance policies, and other legal documents to ensure consistency in your records.

Contact Our Jacksonville Name Change Lawyer

As we mentioned, there are several steps that must be taken when filing for a name change, whether it's for a minor child or an adult. The process includes providing fingerprints, filling out necessary forms and petitions, being in attendance at a final hearing by a judge, and going through the motions to change your name on important and legal documents that identified you by your former name. 

There can be many other steps as well, depending on the individual case. Whatever the situation is, you can be assured my family law firm will properly guide you in order to obtain a name change.

When you contact my firm, a Jacksonville name change lawyer will advise you of what steps will be necessary. Call now - (904) 849-5183