Get Your Name Changed In New Jersey
Get Professional Help With Your Name Change
People want to change their name for a variety of reasons — sometimes simply because they have become known by a name that is not on a birth certificate, or they no longer want to be known by a name that appears on legal documentation. Whether you are seeking a legal name change following a divorce, for personal preference, or to align your identity with your professional life, New Jersey law provides a specific pathway to update your records. This process is more than just a simple request; it is a formal legal action that requires transparency and adherence to strict statutory guidelines.
That said, the name change process in New Jersey can be complex and arduous. If there is one part of an application that is not compliant, the court may deny it. Save yourself the headache of applying alone, and work with the Law Office of Jordan B. Rickards today!
Starting The Legal Name Change Process
Ordinarily, a name change is to be filed in the county’s superior court. This begins with the filing of a Verified Complaint and a Proposed Order Fixing Date for Hearing. These documents must clearly state that the request is not being made for any fraudulent purposes, such as avoiding creditors or criminal prosecution. After this, an order for a hearing date is to be filed at which a judge will sign documentation regarding the date of a hearing. Government agencies are provided an opportunity to offer an objection they can file in court after which the hearing is held. Assuming the name change meets with the judge’s approval, the name change goes into effect, and the order is published and filed with the Secretary of State.
How A Name Change Attorney Can Help
At each step of the process, there are unique issues to be followed and addressed. As such, partnering with a skilled attorney is crucial. An experienced lawyer ensures that your background checks are handled correctly and that all notice requirements are met, preventing the court from rejecting your petition due to technical errors.
The Law Office of Jordan B. Rickards has close to a decade working on these and similar issues in and around New Jersey. We encourage you to get in touch as soon as possible to understand your options and rights. We usually charge a fee of $1500 for such a procedure, though this can change depending on the special circumstances of the case. For instance, some counties require a formal hearing, which may require additional fees, while others do not. We also require that the client pay the expenses associated with the application. Expenses typically include $250 for the court filing fee, $150 for three certified copies of the name change order (two of which are submitted to the state), and roughly $100 or so to publish the appropriate notices in the paper.
