To legally change your name in Georgia, the following steps must be taken:
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Petition for Name Change: You must file a petition with the superior court in the county where you reside. The petition should state your current name, the new name you wish to adopt, and the reason for the name change. You must also provide personal information such as your date of birth, social security number, and current residence.
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Publish Notice: Within two weeks of filing the petition, you must publish a notice of your name change in the legal organ of your county for four consecutive weeks. This is to give notice to any potential creditors or other interested parties of your name change.
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Attend Court Hearing: You must attend a court hearing to present your petition for name change to a judge. The judge will consider the reasons for the name change and may ask you questions to ensure that you are not seeking to change your name to defraud creditors or avoid legal obligations.
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Obtain Court Order: If the judge approves your petition, they will issue a court order approving your name change.
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Notify Government Agencies and Others: Once you have obtained the court order, you must notify the Social Security Administration, Department of Driver Services, Department of Vital Records, and other government agencies of your name change. You should also notify your employer, bank, insurance companies, and others of your new name.
It is important to note that there may be additional requirements or limitations on name changes in certain circumstances, such as for minors or individuals with criminal records. It is recommended that you seek the advice of a licensed attorney if you have concerns about your eligibility for a name change or if you encounter any legal issues during the process.
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