Where should I apply to have my name changed?
Full Question:
Answer:
The need for a legal name change may result from marriage, divorce, adoption or simply a desire to have another name. Generally, you cannot change your name for a fraudulent purpose, such as avoiding debts. Means of changing your name generally include usage (in some states using a name as your own has the affect of making it your name); court order (a court order is recommended to change your name and is required by most states); or a divorce order as proof of name change.
Sometimes a name change isn't made as part of the divorce order. When a person doesn't reside where the dovorce was issued, a name change request is typically made in the county of residence. In New York, a person may change their name by filing an action in 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, with appropriate forms.
