Simplifying the Process for You

Experienced Name Change Lawyers in New Jersey & Pennsylvania

Changing your legal name is a significant decision that requires court approval and official documentation. Whether you are getting married, divorced, adopting a child, or affirming your gender identity, our experienced name change attorneys can guide you through the legal process smoothly and efficiently.

At Ratliff Jackson LLP, we help individuals and families secure legal name changes, ensuring all required petitions, hearings, and government updates are handled correctly.

Contact us today for a consultation on legally changing your name.

Why You Need a Name Change Lawyer

The legal name change process varies by state and circumstance, requiring court filings, potential hearings, and government updates. Our name change attorneys provide personalized legal assistance to help avoid delays, denials, or errors in the process.

We assist clients with:

• Filing a Name Change Petition – Ensuring accurate and complete paperwork is submitted to the court.
• Handling Court Hearings – Representing clients when a judge’s approval is required.
• Overcoming Legal Obstacles – Addressing parental objections, criminal record issues, or documentation errors.
• Updating Government & Financial Records – Assisting with Social Security, passports, driver’s licenses, and bank accounts.
• Protecting Privacy & Safety – Advising on options to seal name change records in cases of domestic violence or identity theft.

Common Name Change Situations We Handle

Adult Legal Name Changes

• Personal or cultural preference
• Correcting a spelling error on birth certificates
• Name changes due to marriage, divorce, or religious reasons
• Gender identity affirmation and gender marker updates

Child Name Changes

• Parental name changes after divorce or marriage
• Step-parent adoption name changes
• Name change due to custody modifications
• Correcting a birth certificate

Name Changes for Non-Citizens & Immigration Cases

• Assisting green card holders and visa holders with legal name changes
• Navigating name changes during the naturalization process
• Ensuring legal documents reflect consistent identity records

Name Changes for Business & Professional Reasons

• Adjusting names for branding, professional licenses, and employment records
• Updating legal name for financial accounts and contracts
• Preventing misrepresentation issues in professional fields

Challenges in Name Change Cases

While many name change requests are routinely approved, some cases may face legal hurdles. We provide skilled legal assistance in cases involving:

• Parental Consent Issues – One parent objects to a child’s name change.
• Criminal Record Concerns – Courts may deny name changes for individuals with certain criminal convictions.
• Identity Theft & Privacy Concerns – Handling confidential name changes for victims of fraud or domestic violence.
• Citizenship & Immigration Status – Ensuring compliance with federal immigration requirements.
• Court Hearings & Objections – Addressing any opposition in contested name change cases.

Who We Represent

• Adults Seeking a Legal Name Change – Filing for court approval and updating records.
• Parents Changing a Minor’s Name – Handling custody, adoption, and guardianship-related name changes.
• Transgender & Non-Binary Individuals – Legal name changes and gender marker updates.
• Non-Citizens & Immigrants – Navigating name changes for naturalization and immigration records.
• Individuals with Criminal Records – Determining eligibility for a name change despite legal history.
• Professionals & Public Figures – Ensuring business and legal consistency when changing names.

Frequently Asked Questions About Name Changes

How long does the name change process take?

The timeframe varies, but most name changes take 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the court’s schedule and document processing times.

Do I need a court order to change my name?

Yes, in most cases, a judge must approve your name change before you can update official documents like your Social Security card and driver’s license.

Can I change my child’s last name without the other parent’s consent?

Typically, both parents must agree on a child’s name change. If one parent objects, the court will decide based on the child’s best interests.

Can I change my name if I have a criminal record?

It depends on the type of conviction. Some criminal offenses may restrict your ability to change your name, but our attorneys can evaluate your eligibility.

What documents do I need to change my name?

Most name change cases require:

• Birth certificate
• Government-issued ID (driver’s license, passport)
• Court-approved petition
• Marriage certificate or divorce decree (if applicable)

Do I need to notify the public about my name change?

Some states require you to publish a legal notice in a newspaper, but exceptions may apply for privacy or safety concerns.

Will my name change affect my credit score or financial records?

Your credit history remains intact, but you will need to update your name with banks, creditors, and financial institutions.

Take the First Step Toward Your Name Change

The name change process can be complex, but our attorneys at Ratliff Jackson LLP provide efficient legal guidance to ensure a smooth and successful transition.

Contact us today for a consultation on legally changing your name.