There may be various reasons for changing the names, you may not like your name for some unknown reasons and preferred to be called by a different name which you feel would suit you. Some times when you are about to join a new job you may feel that your present name is not a good omen. Whatever may be the reason for a name change the judge should feel that the requisition is based on valid reasons.
The process to change your name is so simple, forms are very self explanatory and you can do the job without the assistance of a lawyer.
The court will accept almost every valid petition on name change if the reason is legitimate. The court should find ample reasons for your name change case, the change in name shouldn’t be for any deceptive purposes, to escape from a debt etc. You shouldn’t change your name for any sort of character assassination of another person, a change in the name shouldn’t lead to any sort of communal conflagration and you are not to opt for the name of a celebrity as this may lead to so many legal issues.
Time frame to change your name In Washiton DC, the duration for a name change normally is six months, but in some exceptional cases it may take a little longer. This differs from state to State. It’s always better to be in touch with the particular courthouse where your case comes for the legal proceedings.
You must be able to meet the residency requirements for filing a name change, all applicants should be a permanent resident of that particular state to apply for a change in name for a period of minimum six months or on specific conditions even for a longer duration. This has to be submitted to the court with substantial evidence.
Name change cases will have an adverse effect when one is thinking of filing for bankruptcy; things will become more complex under such circumstances. These are situations where you have to seek the help of an efficient attorney who has to be a member of the Bar in the State where you reside. Detailed instruction on the context can be obtained from an experienced Attorney.
In cases where the request is denied
Where most of the name cases are granted, the law has given powers to the court to decline requests which the court feels unacceptable. The court can reject a name change if the court feels there are reasons for the refusal. Then you will have to wait until the reasons for the rejection changes. You can then file a second petition. The court addresses the same event of rejection one more time. If the reason for the rejection is due to some error in the forms, you can rectify the same and request for an approval for the name change.
If your request is turned down by the court you have all the right to ask for reconsideration and can put forward your request to a higher court. You will be left with just 30 days if you want to go for an appeal from the date of rejection. You can seek the assistance of an attorney if you feel so.
In case if you are interested only in change your name in middle and if you are born in the District of Colombia, there is no need to go through the court proceedings, you can be in touch with the Vital Record Department in the District Of Colombia.