An adult may use any name he or she may choose, as long as doing so does not defraud or infringe on the rights of another. However, in order to formally and legally change one's name, it is necessary to make an application to the Supreme Court and provide the Court with extensive information, including a reasonable justification for the request. In the case of a child, both parents must approve of the requested name change.
If the request is approved, notification of the name change must be published in an appropriate newspaper before the change becomes effective. Once the name change is complete, the Court's Order will enable the individual to obtain a modified birth certificate, passport, social security card, driver's license and other forms of identification, which will reflect the change.
To discuss any issues or questions with respect to a legal name change, please contact Lawrence J. Schwind.