Changing your name is a personal decision involving a formal legal process. At Cohen & Bernstein, LLC, we are committed to guiding you through every step of this journey, contact our New York State name change lawyer and ensure that your name change happens correctly the first time.
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New York State Name Changes Lawyer Guide
- The Name Change Process in New York
- Paperwork Assistance
- Court Representation
- Post-Judgment Guidance
- Choose Cohen & Bernstein, LLC for Your New York State Name Changeu
The Name Change Process in New York
Changing your name is a significant step, often reflecting major life changes or personal decisions. In New York State, the process is well-defined and varies based on the reason for the name change. Let’s go into each aspect of this process.
Marriage and Divorce
When getting married, changing your surname is a common practice. In New York, this process is integrated into the marriage license application.
You have several options:
- Adopting your spouse’s surname
- Reverting to a former surname
- Creating a new hyphenated or combined surname
This flexibility allows couples to choose a name that best reflects their union.
In the context of a divorce, you can revert to your pre-marriage surname. New York law facilitates this change as part of the divorce proceedings. The divorce judgment typically includes an order allowing you to return to a previous family name or surname, ensuring that the transition back to your former name is legally recognized.
Personal Reasons
The process is more involved for those seeking a name change outside of marriage or divorce.
It requires filing a petition with the New York State Supreme Court. Critical documents in this process include:
- Name Change Petition: This is the primary document where you state your current legal name, the new name you wish to adopt, and the reasons for the change.
- Name Change Order: This form is what the judge will sign to approve your new name.
- Request for Judicial Intervention (RJI): This form gets the court involved in your case.
- Index Number Application: This is your case number in the court system.
Additionally, providing a certified copy of your birth certificate is necessary. This document is proof of your identity, and the county uses it for its records.
Filing Fee
Changing your name in New York State involves a filing fee of $210 for the Supreme and County Courts and $65 for the New York City Civil Court. This fee covers the administrative costs of processing your name change request.
For individuals who may find this fee a financial burden, applying for a fee waiver is an option. By demonstrating financial hardship and submitting the required documentation, you can request that the court waive this fee, making the name change process more accessible.
Court Review and Publication
Once you’ve filed your petition, the court will review it. The court typically approves the name change unless concerns about fraudulent intent exist. The publication requirement is an often unexpected aspect of New York’s name change process.
After the court approves your name change, you must publish a notice in a local newspaper. This requirement can be waived in certain situations, such as changing your name for safety reasons or due to domestic violence concerns.
Finalization
After meeting all requirements, including the publication of your name change, the court will issue an order for the name change. This order is the legal document that officially recognizes your new name.
You must file this order with the county clerk’s office to complete the process. Once filed, your name change is legally binding and recognized by the state.
Lawmakers designed each step in the name change process to ensure legal compliance and the authenticity of identity changes.
At Cohen & Bernstein, LLC, we understand the importance of a name change and its personal nature. Our legal team is ready to provide guidance, support, and professional representation throughout this process.
If you’re considering a name change in New York State, we invite you to reach out to us for a comprehensive and empathetic approach to your case.
Paperwork Assistance
At Cohen & Bernstein, LLC, our team is here to alleviate the stress of paperwork for a name change. We understand each required form and have the experience to ensure your paperwork is complete and accurate.
From the Name Change Petition to the Order Fixing Date of Hearing, each document plays a role in the success of your application. We ensure no detail is overlooked, preventing delays or complications arising from incomplete or incorrect submissions.
We provide peace of mind, knowing we handle every aspect of your paperwork precisely and carefully.
Court Representation
Appearing in court can be an intimidating experience, but with Cohen & Bernstein, LLC, you won’t have to face it alone. Our experienced attorneys stand by your side, offering representation and advocacy during court hearings.
We understand the importance of presenting a strong case to the court, and our representation includes:
- Articulating the reasons for your name change.
- Responding to any queries from the judge.
- Handling any issues that may arise.
Post-Judgment Guidance
The process doesn’t end with the court’s approval. After your name change is legally recognized, our support continues. We assist in obtaining certified copies of the Final Judgment, which are essential for updating your name across various records and IDs.
Our team can also guide you on updating your name on legal and personal documents, from your driver’s license to your social security card and passport.
At Cohen & Bernstein, LLC, we are dedicated to supporting you through every step of the name change process in New York State. Our comprehensive approach ensures that your journey towards adopting your new name is seamless and stress-free. For professional legal assistance and support, contact us to help guide you through this significant life change.
Choose Cohen & Bernstein, LLC for Your New York State Name Change
At Cohen & Bernstein, LLC, we understand that changing your name is more than just a legal process — it is a personal journey. We bring a combination of legal knowledge, empathy, and personalized attention to each case.
If you’re considering a name change in New York State, contact Cohen & Bernstein, LLC at (888) 872-2898. We’re here to guide you through each step of this significant life change.