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What's in a name? If you're Los Angeles Lakers forward Ron Artest, names matter. He's petitioned a California court to legally change his name from Ron Artest (of course) to Metta World Peace.

The change may be part of an overall self-help/image rehabilitation program. Artest had some violence issues on and off court. This once happened on and off the court in the same episode. While playing for the Indiana Pacers, Artest left a fight on the court to mix it up in the stands. His new reality TV show, "Last Second Shot" is about rehabilitating prisoners and parolees.

Original Article

Your identity starts with your name, and you may love it, hate it, or be somewhere in between. There's even a "Celebrate Your Name Week" the first week each March. You're not alone if you've thought about changing your name, or if you have set plans to take action.

Find out how you can make your name change official and starting living and loving your name.

Reasons for Name Changes

Changing your name may come with a major life change, and it's a change in your legal identity. Everything from your driver's license and Social Security records change, not to mention your credit and financial accounts. Besides marriage, divorce or adoption, people seek name changes to:

  • Reflect gender changes
  • Business reasons
  • Update a name or its spelling to blend with American culture
  • Get a fresh start as a domestic violence or other crime victim
  • Honor family heritage, such as restoring a surname to its correct spelling
  • Other personal reasons, such as simple preference, important meaning tied to a new name, or negative feelings about your current name

State laws control the name change process, and generally don't require you to have a specific reason for the change. However, the law may state that someone can't make a change with an ill intent or purpose, such as to commit fraud or hide a criminal history. Laws also give judges power to deny a name change if the proposed name is inappropriate, such as a number or obscenity.

Usually you need to be at least 18 years old and meet state residency requirements (6 months is common) to change your name.

Common Law or Court Decree Name Changes

You may not need to go to court to change your name. Depending on your state's laws, you may be able to change your name by just adopting or using your new name (common usage). For many people, the legal process for marriage, divorce or adoption covers name changes. For example, upon marriage, spouses decide on their married name and start using it. In some cases, such as getting a new driver's license, showing a certified copy of your marriage certificate documents and proves the change.

State law may require you to get a court decree or order for your name change, and doing so is the preferred way to change your name, even if common law change is an option. It's official and definite when there's a legal record behind your name change, and the issue isn't open to question. In some situations, a legal decree for your name change makes other legal changes easier, like updates to your driver's license or passport.

File A "Petition for Change of Name"

Start the name change process by filing a Petition for Change of Name with the proper local court. Contact the clerk of the court for the county where you live, who can tell you where to file your petition (county courts are usually split into divisions), the filing fees and provide you the needed forms.

Looking at a Petition for Change of Name

The petition may be a short one-page form, which you complete, sign and have notarized. The form usually covers these key elements:

  • Asks the court to change your name
  • States that you meet age and residency requirements
  • Identifies you by your current name, along with birth date and place
  • States your proposed new name
  • States you've met the publication requirements set out by state law

There may be more forms to complete if you have a criminal history and convictions.

Publication and Giving Notice of Name Change

Part of the name change process is to publish a notice about it in the newspaper for several weeks, usually before the hearing on your petition. State laws vary on publication specifics, and a form may be available. The purpose is to give public notice, so parties such as creditors know about your name change, and allows interested persons to object.

State laws cover exceptions to publication for people who may be victims of domestic violence or other crimes. If an exception applies, there may be a separate form you'll need to fill out.

Hearing and the Court's Decision

You're assigned a hearing date when you file your forms. At the hearing, the judge reviews your petition, and may ask you questions before making a decision. Hearings are quick, and there may be little or no wait time for the judge's decision and the signed order that legally changes your name.

If your petition is denied, get a copy of the judge's reasons so you can fix the problem and have your request granted the second time around.

Get several certified copies of your name change order from the court, and you'll be all set to put your new name in use.

Questions for Your Attorney

  • I just got married in my husband's home country and changed my complete name to reflect his culture. Should I get a court order to change my name in the US?
  • I want to take the last name of my town's founder. Can the family object?
  • If I want a new name due to gender change, do I have to provide medical records?