At times, changing your name legally becomes important. Under Georgian law, you can change your name. But how do you go about it? In this article, we’ll explain the process in detail. You will also find numerous templates that CocoSign offers.
The following point should be covered in your Georgia name change form:
- An attestation declaring that the name change is not being requested in order to conduct fraud or a crime.
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Sign on a notarized form consenting to the current name change or be present at the hearing date in case you are a minor.
- Previous name.
- New name.
What is a Georgia Name Change Form & How Does it Work?
To change your name legally in Georgia or most other US States, you’re required to file a petition with a superior court that has jurisdiction in the county. This form, known as the Petition to Change Name of Adult, is recognized as your formal request to change your name legally.
Most courts provide the forms online or offline at the clerk’s office. You’re requested to use them instead of creating one from scratch.
How To Legally Change Your Name In Georgia?
To change your name in Georgia, you must submit the petition to the superior court in the state. You must fill all fields clearly and sign at the required places. Legibility and accuracy of information should be prioritized. The signature must be verified before a Notary Public. Then here’s what you need to do for name change Georgia:
- Publish the Notice of your Request
After you’ve filed the petition for a name change, you must publish the notice of intent on leading newspapers. The notice should include your current name, desired name, name of the court you’re filing at, filing date, among other details.
- Attend Name Change Hearing at Court
The court will ask you to attend the hearing where it will announce whether or not you’re allowed to change your name. If allowed, you can start using your new name after formalities. If not allowed, you can challenge the court decision at a higher court.
- Notify Government Agencies and Update documents
After you’ve legally changed your name, you must notify other government agencies and change your name on required documents like Driver’s license, passport, green card, if any.
Please note that every kind of decision regarding changing the name must be solely from your end. The OCGA § 15-19-51 prohibits any court or government official from recommending, influencing, or making decisions on your behalf.
When do People Change Their Names in Georgia?
Most people change their names after marriage or post-divorce. Women take up their husband’s surname after marriage giving up their maiden name. After a divorce, they may wish to retain their maiden names. Either way, it’s necessary to file a petition for name change for Georgia residents.
Other reasons can be religious or astrological. People who undergo a religion change often change names to reflect their current faiths.
Georgia Name Change Requirements
The requirements for legal name change Georgia are:
- You must have filed the petition with proper signatures
- Your signature must be verified by Notary Public
- Your name change request must be out of valid reasons. If your name change was found to be carried out for money laundering or tax evasion purposes, you’ll be disqualified
You can find ready-to-use Georgia name change forms on CocoSign. The documents are formatted as per the requirements and hence are recognized by Georgian courts. You can download and use them for your own name change purposes.