How to Change Your Name in AZ
Are you considering legally changing your name in the state of Arizona? Whether you`re getting married, divorced, or simply want to go by a different name, the process can seem daunting. But fear not, we`re here to guide you through the process step by step.
Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility
Before you begin the legal process of changing your name, it`s important to ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements set forth by the state of Arizona. According to Arizona law, any adult resident of the state can petition the court for a name change as long as they are not seeking to change their name for fraudulent or illegal purposes. In addition, individuals with a felony conviction on their record must comply with certain requirements, so it`s best to consult with an attorney if this applies to you.
Step 2: Prepare and File the Petition
Once you`ve confirmed your eligibility, the next step is to prepare and file the petition for a name change with the superior court in the county where you reside. The petition must include your current name, the name you wish to adopt, and the reason for the name change. Additionally, you`ll need to pay a filing fee, which varies by county.
Step 3: Publish Notice of the Name Change
After filing the petition, Arizona law requires you to publish a notice of the name change in a newspaper of general circulation in the county where you filed the petition. This be once a for four weeks. The purpose of this publication is to give the public an opportunity to object to the name change if they have a legitimate reason to do so.
| Newspaper | Cost of Publication |
|---|---|
| The Republic | $120 |
| Tucson Star | $100 |
| Phoenix Times | $80 |
Step 4: Attend the Court Hearing
Once the has been and the time has passed, you will to a court hearing. At the judge will your petition and any that have been. Assuming there are no valid objections, the judge will issue an order granting the name change.
Step 5: Your Records
Now that you`ve legally changed your name, it`s time to update your records. This obtaining a copy of the court order and various government and such as the Security Administration, the of Motor Vehicles, and your of your new name.
Congratulations, you have successfully navigated the process of legally changing your name in Arizona! While the process may seem complex, with the right guidance, it can be a smooth and straightforward transition.
How to Legally Change Your Name in AZ
This contract outlines the legal process and requirements for changing one`s name in the state of Arizona.
| 1. Parties | This is into by an seeking to change their name (the “Petitioner”) and the government responsible for name change in the state of Arizona. |
|---|---|
| 2. Legal Process | The Petitioner must file a petition for a name change with the superior court in the county where they reside. The petition must include the Petitioner`s current name, the desired new name, the reason for the name change, and any additional required documentation such as a fingerprint card and a criminal history record check. |
| 3. Legal Requirements | Upon the petition, the must a notice of the name change in a of circulation in the county for three weeks. The must also any parties or of the name change. |
| 4. Court Hearing | After the and requirements, the court will a hearing to review the name change petition. The Petitioner must appear at the hearing and present evidence supporting the name change request. |
| 5. Legal Effect | If the court approves the name change petition, the Petitioner will receive a court order officially changing their name. The must then their name with government, financial institutions, and entities. |
| 6. Governing Law | This contract is governed by the laws of the state of Arizona, including the Arizona Revised Statutes governing name changes. |
| 7. Signatures | By below, the acknowledges and to the legal process and for changing their name in the state of Arizona. |
10 Popular Legal Questions About How to Legally Change Your Name in AZ
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. What is the cost of changing my name in Arizona? | In Arizona, to legally change your name, you must be at least 18 years old and be a resident of the state. The process involves filing a petition with the court, providing a valid reason for the name change, and publishing a notice of the name change in a local newspaper. |
| 2. Can I change my name to anything I want? | While have the to a new name, the may a name change if it is for or purposes, such as debts or prosecution. |
| 3. How long does the name change process take in Arizona? | The typically 6-8 from the of the to the decision. However, may depending on the and any raised by the public. |
| 4. Do I need a lawyer to change my name in Arizona? | While is not to a seeking legal can ensure a and name change process. A can with the petition, any issues, and you in court if necessary. |
| 5. What do I to for a name change in Arizona? | You will to a completed name change petition, a copy of your certificate, and any supporting such as a or decree. |
| 6. Can I my name in Arizona? | Yes, you the court to your name. However, the may additional such as from the or a valid for the name change. |
| 7. Will my name my or status? | Changing your should not your or if you your and relevant such as banks, employers, and government of the name change. |
| 8. Can I my name a conviction in Arizona? | It is to your a conviction, but the may the of the and your for the name change before a decision. |
| 9. What the of my name in Arizona? | The fee for a name change in Arizona is $320, but may for of the name change and legal assistance. |
| 10. Can I to my name a in Arizona? | Arizona law allows individuals to request a name change as part of a divorce decree. If did not a name change your divorce, you can the court for a name change your divorce is. |