Name Change Lawyer in NY

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Written By:
Adam H. Rosenblum
Last updated: Mar 29, 2021
10+
experts we consult with to advise on our cases
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100,000+
cases we’ve handled over the years

Why Choose Rosenblum Law For Your Name Change

Simplifying the Complex
Like most legal procedures, name changes involve a number of steps, each must be followed correctly or the petition will be dismissed. We simplify the process for our clients so it’s as easy and stress-free as possible.
Proven Track Record
With a 97% success rate across all practice areas, we have a winning track record. While past results don’t guarantee future outcomes, our attorneys will invest maximum effort in you and your case to do everything we can to produce the best possible outcome.
Our Client Testimonials
For over 15 years, we’ve been A+ rated by the Better Business Bureau and have over 500 positive reviews (5 out of 5 stars) on several independent websites, such as Google and Avvo. We’re proud of what our former clients have to say about our law firm, which is a testimony to our hard work.

Our Name Change Process

Contact our firm

You’ll be connected with a trained specialist to guide you through the name change process and what’s required.

Step-1
We prepare the Petition

We send you an online questionnaire, draft the Petition, and provide you with a copy for review prior to filing.

Step-2
Judicial review

A judge will review the Petition (approx. 5 months) and issue a hearing date.

Step-3
Court appearance

Our team will prepare you for court and attend court with you as your advocate.

Step-4
Your new name is official!

The Judge enters a Final Judgment and we request 3 certified judgments that you can give to government agencies to change your name in their systems.

Step-5

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a name change take in NYC?

After you have submitted all of the necessary documents to the court for review, you should hear back within 2-3 weeks. There will be two possible outcomes: 

  • You are approved and receive a court order authorizing the name change.
  • You are rejected and then have the option of appealing your case.  

How much does it cost to change your name in NYC?

The fee varies depending on which court you will be filing in. 

  • $65 if in the New York City Civil Court
  • $210 in Supreme Court and County Court

You may ask the court for a fee waiver form if you believe your financial circumstances justify a waiver.

What do I need to provide to change my name?

Generally speaking, the following documents are required if you want to change your name: 

  • Court papers asking for the name change, including the Name Change Petition and Proposed Order 
  • Additional forms if you are changing a child’s name
  • Birth certificate 
  • Court fee ($65 in New York City Civil Court and $210 in Supreme Court and County Court) 

Only NYC residents can file in Civil Court. Residents outside of New York City will need to go to either the Supreme Court or the County Court.

  • If you are filing in the Supreme Court, you must also submit a Request for Judicial Intervention so that a judge can be assigned to the case

It’s important to note that this is not an exhaustive list and more documents may be necessary depending on the circumstances. As simple as the process might seem, there are several hidden complications that – if handled incorrectly – can result in having to start the process all over again.

How many times can you change your name?

Technically, there is no limit to how many times you can change your name. However, changing your name frequently can raise a lot of questions in the eyes of the court. It may raise suspicions that the name change is associated with fraudulent behavior. However, this is not always the case and every person’s circumstances are different. 

How do I change my name on my birth certificate in New York City?

The requirements for a legal name change are as follows:

You must go to Civil Court and request a legal name change on your birth certificate. 

Your petition to the Court must include the following information: 

  • Full name at birth (original name)
  • Date of birth
  • Place of birth
  • Certificate number

Please see this NYC government source for more information.

How do I change my name on my social security card in New York City?

If you want to change a name on a Social Security card, you must submit the following documents in person to your local office:  

  • Application for a Social Security Card (Form SS-5) 
  • Unexpired ID 
  • Proof of name change (such as an amended birth certificate, court order with name change, or marriage or divorce document)

Note that photocopies are not accepted. All documents must be original or have a stamp from the issuing authority. 

The Social Security Administration provides the following source for more information. 

Can I change my child’s last name without the other parent’s consent?

  • Though either parent can start the name change process, the other parent must agree in writing to consent to the change.
  • If the other parent’s parental rights have been terminated, then their consent is no longer necessary in New York. You would have to submit the proof of the termination with the Petition. 
  • If you do not know where the other parent lives, you must take steps to locate them. If you are still unsuccessful, you can explain to the judge why the other parent was not available and what steps you had taken to try to get in contact with them.
  • If you know where the other parent lives but cannot get their consent, you will have to notify them to give them a chance to tell the court why they object to the name change.

If I am a minor, how do I change my name?

  • If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must file the petition on your behalf.
  • Courts require a child who is more than 14 years old but less than 18 years old to provide their consent to the name change. 
  • The parent or guardian will have to explain to the judge that the name change is in the minor’s best interest.
  • The judge will consider several things such as what the child wants, the impact the name change may have on his or her family relationship, and whether the name will be a source of embarrassment or harassment, just to name a few. 

There are many reasons why a person might want to change their name. In New York, anyone can file a petition with their county supreme court for a name change. However, as simple as the process seems, there are several hidden complications that make it worth consulting an attorney before beginning the process.

A name change in New York is a multi-step process. It’s important to note that performing some of these steps incorrectly might result in having to start the process over, which means paying the filing fee again and waiting several more months for a name change. For this reason, it’s a good idea to check with an attorney to make sure that everything is done correctly the first time.

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How to Change Your Name in NY

  • Fill out the forms
    • New York requires three forms for a name change: a Name Change Petition, a Proposed Order, and a Request for Judicial Intervention to have a judge assigned to the case. The Name Change Petition must include the reason for the name change and whether the person has any criminal convictions, pending civil judgments, or past bankruptcies. The forms must also be notarized.
  • Make copies of the forms before filing
    • In case there’s a dispute later on, it’s a good idea to make copies of the forms so that one knows exactly what they filed.
  • File the forms and any attachments
    • Once the forms have been filled out, the person seeking a name change must file them with their county supreme court, or, for New York City residents, the New York City Civil Court. Some counties allow electronic filing, while others require forms to be mailed. County supreme courts charge a $210 filing fee, while the New York City Civil Court charges only $65.
    • In addition to the forms, a person must file a proof of birth, such as a birth certificate, and potentially other documents as well. Anyone with criminal convictions must include the Certificate of Disposition for each offense, and anyone with a past bankruptcy must include the judgment of bankruptcy. Anyone with a civil judgment or child support order against them must also include them in the name change application.
  • Wait for the response
    • Within the next six months, the court will reply to the name change request. It’s possible to receive an approval at this stage, but most of the time, a person will be told to come in for a hearing before a judge.
  • Attend the hearing
    • When attending court, be sure to dress appropriately and be polite and respectful to everyone in the courthouse. In addition, bring copies of all documents in order to accurately answer questions the judge may have. Here is where having an attorney can be the most helpful. An attorney can handle some of the questions the judge may ask and issue responses that are likely to persuade the judge to make a favorable ruling.
  • Publish the name change
    • If the judge approves the name change, he or she will order the person to publish their name change in a local newspaper within 60 days. The exact newspaper will vary based on the area; the judge will tell the applicant which one to publish in. The newspaper will charge a fee for this service.
    • The judge may also require the applicant to notify other parties of the name change, such as immigration authorities, a bankruptcy court, or an ex-spouse.
    • Once the newspaper has published the notice of the name change, they will provide the applicant with an Affidavit of Publication.
  • File the Affidavit of Publication with the county clerk
    • The final step is to file the Affidavit of Publication from the newspaper with the county clerk within 90 days after receiving the name change. Once this is done, the person may begin using their new name.

Name Changes Involving Marriage or Divorce

The process for name changes in marriage and divorce is simpler. When a person is married, they can request a name change along with the marriage certificate. Name changes during a divorce can also be handled as part of the divorce proceedings without having to request a name change separately.

Adam H. Rosenblum
About The Author

Adam is the founding attorney and principal of Rosenblum Law. With more than two decades of legal experience in numerous areas of law practice, his primary focus is law firm management and business development.

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