Check out some similar questions!

edwardlo63 · Apr 5, 2017, 01:03 PM

My name is Ed Loxxx. I am married. Wife took on name G Lixxx (maternal) Loxxx (paternal). We have a new adult child just turn 18 and was given birth name S Loxxx (paternal). She would like to start using mother maiden name. Normally would be S Lixxx (maternal) Loxxx (paternal). However , she like the way it sounds in different arrangement order. S Loxxx(paternal) Lixxx (maternal) similar to the way they use it in Latin American countries. Does this order of usage require a legal CA court order process?

tickle · Apr 5, 2017, 04:03 PM

As far as I know, it requires a legal change anywhere. Why not consult a lawyer and find out what has to be done. I will explain, but this is Canada. If I were to marry mr. smith, and my maiden name was black, I could have my name shown as Mrs. A. Black-Smith, without a legal change. I think that can be done where you are too, but your daughter wants it re-arranged, and your wife didn't retain her maiden name, hyphenated; so, yes, it requires a legal name change.

I might suggest though, that since your daughter is still a teen, a legal name change may cost a considerable amount of money, and court dates. Maybe you should you should try to de-sway her from this idea for the time being. At least until she gets used to hearing the sound of her choice on her tongue and others. She may get tired of the idea.

Tick

joypulv · Apr 5, 2017, 05:08 PM

In most countries, an adult starts on the 18th birthday.
It's very easy to change a name in the US. Go to the courthouse (maybe call first or look on the website) and fill out the paperwork and pay a filing fee.
The judge will want a reason but this is a common one.
It's pretty much an assembly line, so be prepared to move quickly and write down your explanation.

Fr_Chuck · Apr 6, 2017, 04:54 PM

First, she can use and call herself anything she wants. To friends and so on.

If she wants it changed on drivers license, and so on. Then yes she will need a name change.

nonelawyer · Jul 28, 2017, 09:14 AM

There is no legal requirement to change one's name. Just start using any name you like. However, if you like to change the name on your Driver's License, passport and other IDs, then you can file a Name Change Petition (without any lawyer) in your local court. After fulfilling the simple requirements, court would make the legal name change effective and will issue a name change order. Court clerk will hand this Order to you. At this time when you are receiving the Order from the Clerk, get a couple of extra certified copies from the Clerk at a minimal cost. This way, you have two additional certified copies of the Court Order for the name change and you can send the certified copy for your passport, Driver's license etc. Don't waste any money with the lawyers as the Name Change Form is very simple and can be filed directly by you. There is absolutely no law that requires that you need an attorney to file it.