Name change questions/vent

~BFF~

Jen's previous post got me thinking and now I am starting to stress out a little.  I want to change my first name and last name.  If I cannot change my first name and last name at the same time, should I change my first name now and then change my last name after the wedding?  For those of you that have already changed your name, how long does the process take?  I have a little less than 5 months before the wedding.  Do you think I have time to legally change my first name?   The other issue is that I was born in Florida, so I guess I have to check into their requirements because it effects my birth certificate.  Aaaaak!!  I thought I could do the whole name chagne all at one time =(

MrsHow

My only knowledge of name changing is from "friends", when Pheobe goes to the office and they tell her she can pick any name she wants and she picks Princess Consuela Bananahammock.  Awesome!! I've never met anyone who changed thier first name.  Do you mind me asking how come you want to do that?  What are you changing it too?  

jujubee96

in Hawaii, when you are filling out the marriage license application, you are able to change your middle and last name.I think each state has their own requirements, or at least slightly different requirements, on how to change your name in general.  My application (from state of California) did mention that if I wanted to change my birth certificate, I should contact ___ (gave me office and address - I think it was something like office of vital records).  I'm not bothering changing my birth certificate because it is something I have never seen.  I don't think my parents brought it over from Korea.I don't think you really need your birth certificate unless maybe you haven't gotten a passport yet.  In my 34 years, I have never been asked to provide my birth certificate where something else I have didn't suffice just as well, so if you don't want to change your b.c., you probably don't have to.Google state where you live, name change, and gov.For example, I googled "california name change gov."  The reason I added the "gov" is because most state websites seem to end with gov - it led me to the California Courts website.  If the "gov" thing doesn't work, just omit it.FYI, when I googled that, I was able to find the main website for Cal that tells you how to change your name, so other states may have a list of directions like that too.for reference, Cal's is: http://www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp/other/namechange.htmI have no idea how long the whole process takes, but maybe your state's court website will have a FAQ or something that tells you how long it will take.Good luck!

jujubee96

oh btw, I'm pretty sure you don't have to check with Florida.  You need to file the way you're supposed to file in the state where you currently live.

~BFF~

Mrs How - I used to joke with my mom that I was going to change my name to Rocket Scientist, but Princess Rocket Scientist seems to flow a little better AND sounds so regal!  Ha LOL!  Actually, my legal name is Mary Elizabeth, but parents and family and everyone have always called me Beth.  So I want to legally change it to Beth.  I have always planned on changing it once I get married. Jen, thanks for the tips.  I actually did contact Florida.  I guess in the state of HI I have to request a court order and once I receive the certified court order I send that to FL and they make an amendment to my birth certificate.  The lady in FL was super helpful and told me I should definitely change my first name BEFORE I get married, since changing the last name is easy with proof of the marraige certificate. I guess I have a big To DO added to my list!

laabeth

Oh wow Beth!  I have to hand it to you for actually changing your name!  I'm kind of in the same boat as you...middle name Beth... full name "Laura Beth" but my parents always just called me Beth.  And I get really frustrated when I put Beth down on applications or forms and then people tell me I have to put my "Legal" name or some-such. GRRRR! Everyone has always told me I should just change it legally, but I just have never been able to go through with it cause honestly it makes me feel guilty! So good luck, I hope the process goes smooth for you!