If you reside in Illinois, the process for legally changing your name is relatively simple, but detail-oriented. Here’s an overview to help you navigate through the process. If you're thinking of changing your name, it can be helpful to see the assistance of an attorney, especially if, afterwards, you want to change your name on your birth certificate, marriage license, or other paperwork.
Step 1: Meet the Residency Requirement
To file for a name change in Illinois, you must have lived in the state for at least six months. This is a standard requirement across most states to ensure that the court handling your case has jurisdiction over you.
Step 2: Fill Out the Necessary Forms
Name changes are judicial processes, which means you will need to change your name through the court system. The primary forms you will need are:
Petition for Change of Name (Adult)**: This form is your formal request to the court to change your name.
Notice of Filing a Request for Name Change**: This form is used to inform the public about your intent to change your name.
You can obtain these forms from the Illinois courts’ website or your local county clerk’s office.
Step 3: File the Forms with the Court
Once your forms are completed, you need to file them with the circuit court in the county where you reside. Along with the forms, you will be required to pay a filing fee. The fee varies by county, so check with your local clerk’s office for the exact amount.
Step 4: Publish Notice of Your Name Change
Illinois law requires that you publish notice of your name change in a local newspaper for three consecutive weeks. This notice serves to inform the public and give anyone who might object to the name change a chance to come forward. Your local clerk’s office can provide a list of approved newspapers.
Step 5: Attend the Court Hearing
After you have filed your forms and published your notice, you will need to attend a court hearing. The court will schedule a hearing date, usually within 6-8 weeks of filing. At the hearing, the judge will review your petition and any objections. If everything is in order, the judge will sign the Order for Name Change and, congratulations! your name change is effective immediately.
Step 6: Get Certified Copies of the Order
Once the judge signs the order, to change your name on other documentation, you will need to obtain certified copies. These copies are essential for updating your name with various government and financial institutions. You can request certified copies from the clerk’s office for a small fee.
Step 7: Update Your Identification and Records
With your certified copies of the name change order, you can now update your name with various agencies, including:
Social Security Administration: Update your Social Security card by submitting the order along with an application form.
Department of Motor Vehicles: Get a new driver’s license or state ID.
Passport Office: Apply for a new passport with the updated name.
Banks, Credit Card Companies, and Other Financial Institutions**: Inform them of your new name to update your accounts.
Employers and Insurance Companies: Ensure your workplace and any insurance providers have your correct name.
Additional Considerations
Minors: If you are changing the name of a minor, the process is similar but may require the consent of both parents or legal guardians.
Marriage and Divorce: Name changes related to marriage or divorce often have streamlined processes. For instance, you can change your name using your marriage certificate or divorce decree without the need for a court order.
Changing your name in Illinois is a straightforward process, but it requires careful attention to detail and adherence to legal requirements. By following these steps, you can successfully navigate the process and start enjoying your new name. Attorney Andrew J. Mertzenich has helped several clients change their names and figure out the paperwork side. He'd be happy to help you. Consider giving him a call today at 815-420-8261.
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