[TheBugsLife]

Im about to get married and my boyfriend wants to change his name to his stepfathers last name ( his real father has never been a part of his life and doesn't want to carry his name ) and his step father has been there every step of his life started as a child. I have found many many ways to change my name after the wedding but how do we go about getting his changed to his step fathers??

[Fr_Chuck]

Ok, your adult boyfriend wants to change his last name before you are married , correct.

He goes to the court house, and does a form, easy, not very costly.

[mr206]

First off, it really depends on where you live.

But typically, you do the name change through the state or county court system. There is a specific motion for name change and, for example, it's $200 or so to complete (here in Washington State).

But again, it all depends on where you live as different states do it differently.

[dmf32835]

That's easy. Just download your state's compliant name change forms then follow the instructions included with the forms to file it. The first form you will need to file is a petition which asks the court to grant you permission to legally change your name. After you filed the petition then you file the 'order' form. This form state's the exact name you want to have, and after you file you will then need to attend one hearing at the courthouse. That's the entire process.

[mr206]

Check with your local courts before you pay a website like the one he posted... many courts, like the WA State courts, offer 'family court' forms for free, so you can download all the forms you need from start to finish for free.

[TheBugsLife]

How long will the process take ? Roughly... we would like to make it a wedding gift to his dad. And just in case for those who are wondering we are in our late 20's

[mr206]

Again, that really depends on where you live.

For example, here in WA, you file with the District Court in your county and have a court date assigned where you present the case to a judge; that could be 1 week, it could be 1 month. Once the judge approves it, the paperwork is filed with the Department of Health, but the second the judge approves it, it becomes effective.

If you let us know what City, County and state you live in, we may be able to get better specifics.

[JudyKayTee]

That's easy. Just download your state's compliant name change forms then follow the instructions included with the forms to file it. The first form you will need to file is a petition which asks the court to grant you permission to legally change your name. After you filed the petition then you file the 'order' form. This form state's the exact name you want to have, and after you file you will then need to attend one hearing at the courthouse. That's the entire process.

Why would anyone pay for forms they can pick up for free at the local Courthouse?

[mr206]

EXACTLY my point in my post. But some courthouses make you pay for copies... still, it's a few cents per sheet, instead of $1.95 for each one. If you can download the forms, do it... get 'em for free :D

[JudyKayTee]

Again, that really depends on where you live.

For example, here in WA, you file with the District Court in your county and have a court date assigned where you present the case to a judge; that could be 1 week, it could be 1 month. Once the judge approves it, the paperwork is filed with the Department of Health, but the second the judge approves it, it becomes effective.

If you let us know what City, County and state you live in, we may be able to get better specifics.

It doesn't have to published with a waiting period following, in WA - ?

[mr206]

Not to my knowledge. All court documents and info from the state elude to the process being immediate.