Video Description
Getting your name changed in New Jersey is a surprisingly complicated process. A judge might deny your application for many reasons, so it’s a good idea to get a lawyer to help you.
How do I get my name changed?
If you’re getting married or divorced, it’s easy. Upon marriage, you can request the name change on the marriage certificate; upon divorce, you can request it as part of the divorce proceeding.
But otherwise, it’s a complicated process with a lot of steps. You’ll need to fill out a set of forms including a civil case complaint, file them with the court, wait for a response with a hearing date, publish a notice in the newspaper, and then appear for a hearing. If you have pending criminal charges, you also need to notify the prosecutor.
Once you’re at the hearing, the judge will want you to answer questions about why you want your name changed. The judge isn’t required to grant your name change; he might refuse your request if he thinks you have a fraudulent intent like avoiding creditors, or if you made an error in the paperwork, or if you have a criminal history.
Because this process is so lengthy and complicated, there’s a lot that can go wrong. A paperwork error or failure to publish a proper notice could get you sent back to square one. There’s a $250 filing fee for a name change, so having to repeat the process is both time-consuming and expensive. If the judge denied your request because of fraud or criminal history, you can’t start over and you’ll need to appeal, which is even more complicated.
To make sure it goes as smoothly as possible, it’s best to hire a lawyer. At Rosenblum Law, we’re experienced in dealing with name changes. We can fill out the paperwork for you and make sure all the technical requirements are met. We’ll also accompany you to the hearing and help you answer questions in a way that will persuade the judge to grant your name change.
What should I do if I want my name changed?
Schedule a free consultation with Rosenblum Law. Our experienced attorneys will guide you through the process and get you the best outcome possible. Our contact information is on the screen and further down on the page.
Why Choose Rosenblum Law?
