Can having judgements against me in civil court hinder me changing my name?
Full Question:
Answer:
The process for obtaining a name change for an adult in the State of New
York begins with the filing of a Petition with the County Court or the
Supreme Court of the county in which they reside, or, if they reside in New
York City, either with the Supreme Court or to any branch of the Civil Court
of the City of New York. The Petition informs the Court of the Petitioner's
name, date of birth, place of birth, age and residence, and the name which
he or she proposes to assume.
The Petitioner must also attach to the petition either a birth certificate or a
certified transcript thereof or a certificate of the commissioner or local board
of health that none is available.
If the court to which the petition is presented is satisfied thereby, or by the
affidavit and certificate presented therewith, that the petition is true, and
that there is no reasonable objection to the change of name proposed, the
court shall make an order authorizing the petitioner to assume the name
proposed.
The Order shall also direct the publication, at least once, within twenty days
after the making of the order, in a designated newspaper in the county in
which the order is directed to be entered of a notice giving notice of the
Order and where and when it may be examined by members of the general
public.
The Order must be published within 20 days after it is issued and proof of
publication must be filed with the court within 45 days of the date it was
issued.
When the Order has been fully complied with the Petitioner is then
authorized to assume the new name.
Is there any reason why a person might not be allowed to change his or her
name? Yes. The court must find (1) that the allegations of the Petition are
true; (2) that there is no reasonable objection to the proposed name
change, and, (3) that the requested name change is consistent with the
public interest. A person is not allowed to change their name in order to
avoid judgments or legal actions against him or her, or to avoid debts and
obligations. A person can not change their name to defraud any person.
Requirements for Name Change Order: For an order of name change to be
granted, the court must find (1) compliance with the filing and notice
requirements of the statute; (2) that there is no reasonable objection to the
requested name change, and (3) that it is consistent with the public interest.
A change of name upon marriage, dissolution, or divorce meets these
requirements.