Are you tired of being called by your outdated name that holds no more relevance today? Does the thought of changing your name give you a rush of excitement and anxiety all at once? Look no further as we guide you down the road to renaming yourself - legally (with a smile).
The Legal Age for Changing Your Name
Let's get right into it. How old do you have to be to change your name legally? The answer is, it varies from country to country. For instance, in the United States, minimum age requirements vary between states ranging from 16 years old in some states up until 18 years old in others (mind boggling, right?!).
Who Can Help You Change It?
Once you reach the legal minimum age set for name-changing, guess what - anyone can go ahead and help themselves! No formal qualifications required (fist pumps). That said if handling something like this seems too daunting or scary; don't fret, there are always law firms available online or offline who'd be happy enough ready with sound advice.
Why Would Someone Want To Change Their Name?
As humans continue evolving and discovering their true selves throughout life, certain names just seem so yesterday. Perhaps they named after an ancestor wanting nothing more than honor and tradition. Or maybe it's simply time for one person shed what now feels like shackles of an awful identity (we've all been there cue violins) .
There could also be other reasons why someone would want their new found freedom through a fresh moniker:
- Marriage/divorce
- Picking off embarrassing names
- Making cultural transitions
- Parents changing babies' given birth names
- Starting anew after leaving abusive relationships
The list goes on... so if any reason resonates with yours then guess what: YES! A NAME CHANGE IS A PERFECTLY A TOTALLY VALID REASON!
How Do You Change Your Name?
Now that you are seriously considering changing your name, let’s get to the nitty-gritty aspects. Damandeirngemoldeneirngo, what is the process?!
Well...the specifics may differ from state to country but generally, it involves filing an application with your local court; which will entail some fees (not-so-damned-yay).
Important documents like birth certificates and other forms of identification are also necessary. So don't forget to have those prepared beforehand.
After submission of these applications, there's usually a waiting period before hearing back regarding whether or not they've approved/disapproved the request (call me a nag, but make sure you follow-up in fulfillment time-wise).
What Happens After You Change Your Name?
Once approved (and ugh when we say after much stress), ta-da! Now that piece of paper says something else completely different than what it did prior.
You'll now need to update all legal and personal documents which could include anything on this list:
- Bank Account Information Cards
- Passport/Driving License information
- Contracts/documents/leases signed under previous names.
- Medical Related Records Trusts us when we say moving forward almost seems like starting anew , because PEOPLE WILL CALL YOU BY YOUR NEW NAME - simple yet exultant as ever (cue claps).
Also be aware that transitioning to a new name might come with its own set of challenges until everyone gets accustomed (trust us on that one)…but know this change isn't only doable – IT'S FEASIBLE AND WORTH IT!
Bottom Line
Changing your moniker is never just some random act without proper reflection. Make certain you've weighed ALL options so once changed, NO REGRETS ensue later down the line.
We hope our guide has given you some passing insight on what it is to change your name and everything potentially involved/hindering.
Do remember that your eventual new name will be an extension of yourself, so choose wisely!