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Name Change
How Do I Change a Child's Name in Washington State?

How Do I Change a Child's Name in Washington State?

Q: What happens if the court spells your name wrong?

If the court spells your name incorrectly on legal documents, you should notify the court immediately. You can file a motion to correct the error, which may involve submitting a new petition or attending a hearing. It's essential to address this promptly to ensure that all legal documents reflect your correct name.

Q: How much is a name change in Louisiana?

In Louisiana, the cost for a name change generally includes court filing fees, which can range from $150 to $300. Additional costs may apply for obtaining certified copies of the court order. It is recommended to check with the local district court for the exact fees and any additional requirements specific to your situation.

Q: Do I have to change my license if I hyphenate my last name?

Yes, if you hyphenate your last name, you will need to update your driver's license or state ID to reflect the new name. This usually requires providing legal documentation of the name change, such as a court order. Check with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles for specific requirements and procedures.

Q: How to change your name legally without going to court?

Legally changing your name without going to court is typically not feasible for official name changes. Most states require a court petition to process a name change. However, some states may have administrative processes for specific cases, such as marriage or divorce. Always consult local laws to understand your options.

Full question:

Hello in 2004 my I was coerced to sign and agree to a hyphenated name name change order by the court since then I never filed the papers and therefore her name was never changed. She is eight years old now. Just recently we have finished the final pare tong plan and I never saw it in the paperwork but the hyphenated name honestly slipped in and I am to use it and change all documents relating to what she knows all these years to that of her 'new' name this has caused me great stress and my daughter great stress is there anything that can be done to get her name quickly and legally changed back to what she knows? Oh, I am the custodial parent.

Category: Name Change
Date: 04/07/2025
State: Washington

Answer:

The petition is filed in the District Court in the county where the child resides. A person is not allowed to change their name in order to avoid judgments or legal actions against him or her, or to avoid debts and obligations. A person can not change their name to defraud any person. For an order of name change to be granted, the court must find sufficient reasons for the change and also find it consistent with the public interest. A change of name upon marriage, dissolution, or divorce meets these requirements. Any reasonable objections made to the court may influence the court's findings as to whether the change of name is consistent with the public interest.

The name change process begins with the filing of a petition for name change in the district court where the petitioner resides. A hearing will then be held. If there are no objections filed with the court, the court may enter the order granting change of name. Most entities will accept a legal name change order as proof of a name change in order to change records with that entity.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

How much does it cost to change a hyphenated last name?

The cost to change a hyphenated last name can vary by state and court. Generally, fees may range from $150 to $500, including court filing fees and other related costs. It's advisable to check with your local court for specific fee schedules. Additionally, you may incur costs for obtaining certified copies of the name change order. Always confirm the total expenses before proceeding with the application.

What happens if the court spells your name wrong?

How much is a name change in Louisiana?

How do you change your name without going to court?

Changing your name without going to court is generally not possible for most legal name changes. However, you may be able to use a nickname or preferred name in informal situations. For official documents, a court-approved name change is typically required. Some states allow for name changes through administrative processes in certain circumstances, so it's best to check local laws.