Name change

Navneforandring

Deed Poll of Change of Name

Certificate of Change of Name

Change of Name Decree

Mohan Singh Sekhon naturalization certificate

Name change refers to the legal act by which a person adopts a new name distinct from their name at birth, marriage, or adoption. The process and requirements for changing one's name vary widely across jurisdictions. In general, the procedures involved in changing one's name may include legal paperwork, a court appearance, and the publication of the new name.

Reasons for Changing Names

People may choose to change their names for a variety of reasons, including:

• Marriage and divorce: Adopting a spouse's surname or reverting to a maiden name.
• Personal preference: Preferring a name that better reflects one's identity, including changes for gender identity reasons.
• Professional reasons: Adopting a name that is easier to pronounce or remember in a professional context.
• Religious reasons: Changing a name as part of a religious conversion.
• Adoption: Adopting a new name to reflect a new family bond.
• Dissociation from a family: Changing a name to dissociate from a family with a negative history.

Legal Process

The legal process for changing a name varies by location but generally involves several steps:

• Application: Filing a petition or application with the relevant court or governmental authority.
• Notice: In some jurisdictions, individuals are required to publish their name change in a local newspaper.
• Hearing: Some cases may require a court hearing, especially if the name change is contested.
• Finalization: The issuance of a legal decree or certificate confirming the name change.

Documentation and Notification

After a legal name change, individuals must update their name on all personal identification and records, including:

• Passport
• Driver's license
• Social security card (in the United States)
• Bank accounts
• Employment records
• Insurance policies

Cultural and Social Aspects

Cultural and social norms significantly influence attitudes towards name changes. In some cultures, name changes are common and easily accepted, while in others, they may be rare and subject to social stigma.

Challenges and Controversies

Name changes can sometimes lead to challenges, such as:

• Legal and bureaucratic hurdles, especially for those changing names for reasons of gender identity.
• Social challenges, including acceptance by family, friends, and society.
• Potential for misuse, such as evading debt or criminal history.

See Also

• Identity document
• Witness protection
• Pseudonym