If you’re thinking about legally changing your name in the state of Georgia, it’s important you understand the legal procedures and requirements involved. Whether the change is due to marriage, divorce, gender identity, or another reason, there’s a specific process you must follow.
Requirements
In order to legally change your name in Georgia, you must meet the following requirements:
- You must be a resident of Georgia to change your name in the state.
- You need to file your name change request with the Superior Court in the county you reside in.
- You can’t change your name for the purpose of committing fraud.
- You must publish a notice about your name change for four weeks in a newspaper in your county.
Requirements for Minors
If the name change is for someone under 18 years old, both parents must consent. Exceptions are possible if one parent has abandoned the child for at least six months. Abandonment examples include a failure to visit, financially support, or communicate with the child. Any parents who have not consented must be served with the name change petition.
Steps to Change Your Name
1. File a Petition
First you need to file a formal request to change your name with the Superior Court in the county where you live. To do this, you’ll need to contact the Clerk’s Office of the Superior Court to find out which forms you need to fill in and how much you’ll have to pay in fees.
2. Place a Public Notice
In Georgia, you’re required to publish a notice of your name change in a newspaper specified by the court. This notice needs to appear at least once a week for four weeks. You need to file a notice form and make a payment to the Superior Court for this notice to be published.
3. Attend a Hearing
30 days after you filed a petition for a name change, you need to attend a final hearing with the Superior Court. During the hearing, the judge will review your case and make a decision. As long as you’ve got all the necessary paperwork and there’s no accusation of fraud, your petition should be straightforward and approved.
4. Notify Relevant Agencies
Following a legal name change, you’ll need to notify various agencies so they can update your records. Agencies you should notify include:
- Social Security Administration. To apply for a new Social Security card with your new name.
- Department of Driver Services. To update your driver’s license or ID card.
- Georgia Department of Public Health. If you need to change the name on your birth certificate.
- Depending on your circumstances, you may also want to notify agencies like your bank or the IRS.
How Much Does it Cost?
The exact cost to change your name depends on your county. But in general, you can expect to pay:
- $200-$250 to file a petition with the court
- $80-$100 to place a public notice in a newspaper
- $3-$6 for certified copies
If you can’t afford to pay the fees associated with legally changing your name, you can file an Affidavit of Poverty when you file your case and have the fees waived. You can find this form by contacting your county’s Clerk’s Office. The judge will read your Affidavit and determine whether or not your court fees will be waived.
Ensuring a Smooth Transition
Legally changing your name in Georgia involves a number of key steps. While the process may look complex at first, understanding the legal requirements and following the correct procedures helps make sure everything goes smoothly. With almost 20 years of experience, the Law Office of Gina Smalley has the guidance and tools you need to make changing your name a seamless process. Contact us today to take the first step. Call 770-692-2827 or Email Today.
