How can I change my legal name in Florida? In a divorce or adoption case the Court can order a name change as part of the paternity or adoption case.
For those that just want to change their legal name and are not involved in a divorce or adoption case, the Court has a separate procedure to change your legal name through a Petition for Change of Name.
Where a party is not seeking to restore a name they have had in the past, the Court requires that a party submit to a fingerprint test and background check as part of the process.
In so doing, the Court seeks to confirms that a party is not seeking to change their legal name to try to avoid a prior criminal history, bankruptcy, or civil judgment.
Once the Court is satisfied that all legal conditions have been met and there is no legal reason not to change the name, a Final Judgment is entered by the Court.
A party then needs to obtain certified copies of the Judgment to send to the various state and federal agencies to have their records and documents updated to reflect the new legal name. This can be quite a process if you consider how many places keep record using our names.
You will want to change of your name with Social Security Administration, ask for re issuance of your passport , obtain a new driver’s license or identification card, and then update all your other licenses and accounts. This can be quite a process so it should not be taken lightly.
If you want an attorney to assist you change your legal name please call us on (786) 539-4935.