1.    The need for a Name Change may resultfrom marriage, divorce, adoption or simply a desire to have another name.

2.    Generally, (a) you cannot change your name for a fraudulent purpose, such as avoiding debts, (b) other people's rightscannot be affected such as famous people, (c) use of a curse word as a name would not be recommended, and (d) when a minor is involved, the court looks to the best interest of the minor.

3.    Means of changing your name generally include (a)Usage, (b) Court Order and (c) Marriage.

a)    Usage- In some states using a name as your own has the affect of making it yourname.
b)    CourtOrder - A Court order is recommended to change your name and is requiredby some states.
c)    Marriage- A marriage certificate serves as proof of name change.

4.    After you have changed your name you may need tochange records including: (a) Social Security Card, (b) Drivers License,(c) Passport, (d) Post Office, (e) IRS, (f) Voter Registration, (g) Banks,(h) Credit Cards, (i) Doctors (j) Insurance Companies, (k) State Tax Authority,(l) Clubs, (m) Memberships, (n) Employer and (o) Retirement plans. You will also need to consider changing your (a) Will, (b) Health CareProxy, (c) Living Will, (d) Trust, (e) Power of Attorney and (f) Contracts.