Your request for a new legal name does not have to lead to frustration. Seeking legal guidance from a name change lawyer in NJ before you file a petition with the court can save you time, money, and stress.
Our responsive law attorneys are familiar with New Jersey’s name change process. From filing a petition to changing your name on your credit cards and social security card, Dughi, Hewit & Domalewski is here to help.
The Name Change Process in New Jersey
Although you may be ready to start life with your new name right now, the legal process for changing your name in New Jersey does not happen overnight.
The full name-changing procedure in New Jersey typically takes two to three months. To request a name change, you must submit multiple forms to the state’s court system, along with a $250 filing fee. You must also attend an in-person hearing to present proof of your identity to the court.
The name change process in New Jersey is quite involved and contains many opportunities for error. Hire a lawyer to file a petition and manage your name change process from start to finish.
Why Should You Work With a Name Change Lawyer?
Though it is possible to file a petition to change your name in New Jersey without legal representation, the court does not recommend it. The court may delay or deny your name change request if you make a paperwork mistake or miss a step in the name change process.
When you hire a lawyer, you expedite your name change process and lessen the likelihood that the court will deny your request.
Benefits of hiring a name change lawyer in NJ
At Dughi, Hewit & Domalewski, we understand that the name change process in New Jersey can be overwhelming, and we strive to make it as convenient and straightforward as possible.
We cannot guarantee the results of any legal matter, but choosing to work with our law firm can empower you to focus on your daily life, rather than spending hours completing and submitting paperwork to the court.
Other benefits of hiring a name change lawyer could include:
- Saved time and energy
- A clearer, more transparent process
- Faster processing time
- A smoother transition to your new name
Fill out our contact form now to request an initial consultation with one of our dedicated family law attorneys.
Types of Name Changes Our Attorneys Can Help With
Adult name change after marriage
Changing your last name to match your spouse’s is an exciting moment, but to change your name after marriage, you will need to list your new name on your marriage certificate, then request a new social security card free of charge from the Social Security Administration office.
Still, a skilled name change lawyer can expedite the process and guide you through the process of changing your name on your driver’s license, credit cards, and other important documentation.
Adult name change after divorce
We recognize that changing your name after a divorce can be painful and emotionally taxing. Our compassionate family law attorneys can file a motion for your maiden name to be restored as part of your divorce proceeding.
If the court grants the motion, you can apply for a new social security card from the Social Security Administration office free of charge.
To streamline the switch, we can assist you with removing your married name from credit cards, your driver’s license, insurance policies, and other important documentation.
Adult name change (no marriage/divorce)
There are a variety of reasons you may want to change your legal first, middle, or last name, apart from a change in marital status:
- Religious reasons
- Personal reasons, including disliking your name
- Personal branding/business
- Political statement
- To celebrate your heritage
- To avoid fraud/id theft
- To reduce discrimination
- To match personal pronouns
- To change or correct previous errors in your name’s spelling
No matter your reason for making the change, Dughi, Hewit & Domalewski is here to help. Our dedicated name change lawyers in NJ possess the patience and legal knowledge to support you throughout the process—from filing paperwork to representing you in the courtroom.
Minor name change
Requesting a name change for a minor is a lengthy process that many busy parents do not have the time to complete directly. Our thoughtful family law attorneys put your family first and make the switch as simple as possible.
If your child has recently been adopted, your family law attorney can request a name change as part of the adoption proceeding, but there are many other circumstances for a minor name change:
- One parent becomes significantly more or less involved in the child’s life
- A single parent may request a change so that the child’s last name matches their own
- Remarried parents may want to include the child in a new family surname
- The child or parents realize that the name (or possible nickname) is embarrassing or inappropriate
It is possible to represent yourself and your child in a minor name change case, but bear in mind that the court may be less lenient about minor name changes than adult name changes. Working with a name change attorney may improve your chances of successfully changing your child’s name.
Reach out now to learn more about the convenience and transparency of Dughi, Hewit & Domalewski’s name change services.
Contact a New Jersey Name Change Lawyer You Can Trust
The entire Dughi, Hewit & Domalewski staff is deeply invested in your outcome and experience as you pursue your name change. Our capable attorneys have satisfied clients with exceptional, individualized legal services for over forty years.
We combine the vast resources of a large, well-established law firm with the same personal touch we started with. Our aim is to guide you through the name change process with candor, patience, and a profound knowledge of the law.
Take the first step toward your new name today. Contact us to schedule your initial consultation with a reliable name change lawyer in NJ.
Name Change FAQs
What are reasons that a name change petition might be denied?
There are numerous reasons why a name change petition might be denied, including failure to correctly follow the legal name changing procedures. Broadly speaking, petitions for adult name changes may be denied if you were changing your name in an effort to avoid legal actions, debts, or obligations. They may also be denied if the courts suspect the petition is part of an attempt to defraud others.
Does a legal name change impact my claims for alimony, child support, or social security?
No, your name change does not impact your entitlements or benefits, but it is still important to make sure any and all agencies are aware of your name change. If you do not correctly inform them, you may experience interruptions in the entitlements you are owed.
My spouse and I are hyphenating our last names. Do I need to file a name change petition in this case?
Yes, it is still necessary to file a name change petition when you are hyphenating your last name. Any kind of modification of your name is considered a name change.
I do not like my birth name and have decided to change it. Can I choose any name?
While you may personally go by whatever name you choose, legal name changes do have some restrictions. Legal restrictions on name changes include the following:
- Choosing a name with fraudulent intent, meaning that you are changing your name because you intend to do something illegal.
- Choosing a name that would interfere with another’s rights. For example, you cannot choose the name of a celebrity with the goal of misleading the public.
- Choosing a name that is intentionally confusing.
- Choosing a name that is profane or racially offensive.
- Choosing a name that includes threatening or obscene words or words that may incite violent actions.
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