A Name Change Can Be The First Step
Enacting legal name changes in Florida is a process that involves petitioning the court to change a first, middle, or last name. Based on the complex nature of this process, it is always advised for you to seek the counsel of an experienced Florida family lawyer.
There are many reasons for which you may want to change your name, including following a divorce, marriage, or simply due to personal preference. Whatever the reason, I can help. Call me, attorney Mark E. Sawicki, at 954-928-9331 for a consultation and to find out more.
How To Process Post-Divorce Name Changes
In many ways, divorce is both an end and a beginning – the dissolution of a marriage and the beginning of a new life as a single person. After a divorce, you may feel that a new life must also come with a name change. You may want to change back to your pre-marriage last name. Sometimes, one spouse may also want to change the last name of their child.
Making The Divorce Settlement Count
Name changes do not happen automatically after a divorce. The most efficient way to change your name after a divorce is to incorporate any changes in the names of one or both spouses in the divorce settlement. When the agreement is filed with a court, this becomes a supporting document for changing the name(s) in the requesting party’s other documents.
Changing A Child’s Name
Name changes can also be requested for all children of the dissolved marriage. Again, the best way to do this is through the divorce settlement. In cases when this is not part of the final agreement, the name change for a child can only happen with the permission of the other parent or all others who have parental responsibility for the child. I offer experienced guidance in this.
You Must Also Update Cards And Papers
Once a name change is granted, it does not automatically update all your other legal documents and papers. It is important to file your new name, backed by supporting documents such as the final agreement, for your (or your child’s) Social Security card, passport and all your licenses, bank cards, and utility registrations. If you’re at all unsure as to what needs to be changed and how to file, I can assist. Getting it all done correctly the first time can save you a lot of aggravation. My goal is to protect your peace, which includes doing whatever is necessary to make that happen.
Get In Touch To Make The Change
Name changes are not uncommon, but they do require a bit of know-how. I can help. Call my Palm Beach Gardens or Melbourne law offices at 954-928-9331, and let’s talk about what you need. You can also reach me via my online contact form. I help clients in Broward, Palm Beach, and Brevard counties, and throughout the West Palm Beach area, with name changes and other Florida family law matters.