Just to throw this out there. Most states allow common law name change.
Definition: Believing that a person has the right to a person has the right to adopt, assume, or use any name they want as long as it isn't defrauding or hurting anyone else, many states allow a person, including a child, to change his or her name by using the common law rule.
Under the common law rule, all you have to do is use your new name "consistently, openly and non- fraudulently, without interfering with other people's rights."
Just something that was rattling around in my head.
Izzy
I also found this
What's In Your Name?
Most individuals have the right to use and have recorded any name or combination of names they choose. Married women have the right to use their maiden names, a combination of their maiden name and their husband's name, or a name unrelated to either. Parents have the right to give their children a surname that may be that of either parent, a combination of both, or even one that is different from that of either parent.
By "Common Law"
There is a common law procedure for changing your name. In order to utilize this process you should notify all agencies and institutions in writing that your name is changed. This includes Social Security, university registration, driver's license and car registration, bank accounts, credit cards, leases, employment records, etc. You may have to pay a fee for some of these changes. You also may run into a hassle with some places who won't process the change without court papers, even though you are not legally required to go through that process. If this happens, you may appeal the decision of the administrative agent within that agency, or you may change your name in court as described below. Again, your life situation should determine which option you pursue.
