Name Change- Creating A New Identity

Name change is a legal act allowing a person to adopt a name different than their name at birth, marriage, or adoption. People wish to change their name for many reasons. For some it's marriage, for others it's because they don't like their birth name. Others include illegal reasons such as benefiting from another person's name for monetary gain.

It could be for just about any reason or for no reason at all—and it's perfectly legal unless it is for fraudulent or deceptive purposes or will result in the financial loss of a third party or the commission of an illegal act then name change can turn out to be a criminal offense.

It's not always easy for know what your legal options are for your new name after you are married. It is difficult to find information for married name change on the internet and then there can be conflicting information on the options.

After you have decided what name you want to take, then next part is contacting all the organizations where you have an account or membership. Each company sets their own name change procedure and determines what supporting documents they require as evidence of your new name. The applicant may be required to give a somewhat reasonable explanation for wanting to change her or his name. Most of all organizations will accept your marriage certificate if you swap your husband's name with your own and most organizations will also accept your marriage certificate for a double barreled surname.

The onus of changing your name on all your accounts and memberships falls with the individual. It is best to contact each company directly to ask their name change procedure. Some companies require you to send your request in writing, some government departments will need you to visit an office so your signature can be witnessed or your photo taken. A handful of companies will allow legal name change over the phone.

Another simpler way to change your name is with a name change kit, which is a relatively new concept today... These kits typically provide all the instructions on how to change your name with some also providing personalized letters and custom forms. Ultimately the individual needs to sign and submit each letter, fax or form; however the better kits will create the letter complete with all the instructions so that no further research is required. Change your name and begin your new life with your new identity.