To legally change your name in Georgia, there are a series of steps that must be followed. These steps include filing a petition with your local superior court, publishing a notice of your name change in a local newspaper for four weeks, and attending a name change hearing.
Petition:
The first step is to file a petition with the superior court in the county where you currently live. You will need to provide your current name, the name you wish to change it to, and the reasons for the name change. Additionally, you will need to provide proof of residency and identify any criminal convictions you have in Georgia or any other state.
Publication:
After you have filed your petition, you will need to publish a notice of your name change in a local newspaper for four weeks. This notice must include your current name, the name you wish to change it to, and the fact that you have filed a petition with the local superior court.
Name Change Hearing:
Once the notice has been published, you will need to attend a name change hearing at the local superior court. Typically, the hearing will only last a few minutes and involves the judge asking you questions about your reasons for the name change and any criminal history.
Order:
If the judge approves your name change, they will issue a name change order. It is important to obtain several certified copies of this order, as you will need them to change your name on various legal documents such as your driver's license and passport.
Limitations and Exceptions:
In some cases, individuals may be required to obtain a background check or provide further documentation about their name change. Additionally, if you are changing your name as part of a divorce, the process may be different.
Further Action:
If you have any questions or concerns about the name change process in Georgia, it is recommended that you consult with a licensed attorney who can provide specific legal advice based on your unique circumstances.
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