How hard is it to get your name changed?

[Alex201]

Hey everyone...I am a newbie at this legal stuff and it all seems so overwhelming to me. I have no clue how to even start changing my name and what not..is it really hard? How do I even go about it? Have pity on the legally challenged !

[cynthialee]

tell us what state or country you live in

[Pippa]

It really depends where you are.  In the UK it is easy to change your name as the law states that you are entitled to call yourself what you wish.   You can change your name by deed poll over the internet for a fee of about £60.   In the US, it really depends which state you are in and many states require a court hearing.

In the UK you can have your gender marker changed but you have to prove to a tribunal that you intend to live the rest of your life in your new gender and provide independant evidence such as from your therapist and GP.

[Alex201]

I live in the Pennsylvania

[cynthialee]

http://newlastname.org/pa-pennsylvania

start reading

[Ruby]

Hello Alex,
The basics of changing your name are:
1. Fill out an application at the county courthouse for legal name change (look up where the courthouse is in the phone book, or online). There will be a small fee. You probably need to show your picture ID and maybe birth certificate.
2. Wait for them to approve the name change; sometimes, as here in WA, you have to appear before a judge at a given time and date and swear that it is you, etc.
3. Change all the other stuff that has your name on it like driver's license, credit cards, SS# etc. They will require a copy (or sometimes an original, so be sure you get extras at the courthouse) of the name change court order. It takes time to do this part, but you have time...

That's it. Try googling Penn name change process, or just go to the courthouse and find the name change counter.

Hope that helps.
Ruby