Legal Question in Family Law in Georgia
Name change - Dropping first name upon marriage
I am a resident of Dekalb County, Georgia.I have
recently gotten married, and I am taking my
husband's last name. I would like to drop my first
name and use my middle-maiden-married
names
When I tried to do this on my Georgia driver�s
license, I was told I would need to get a superior
court order to drop my first name.
All three names I choose to use as a married
woman (''middle-maiden-married'') are indicated
on my marriage license. In addition, Social
Security granted my request without any trouble.
I find it confusing that Dekalb County would allow
me to drop either my middle or maiden names
without a petition to the court and the associated
fees. Yet, to drop my first name, I am told I must
petition the court and pay about $100 in fees.
Is it indeed the law of Georgia that I must petition
the court to drop my first name, even in a case
such as this? Also, must my name on file with the
state of Georgia match my name on file with the
federal government (social security)?
Thank you very much.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Name change - Dropping first name upon marriage
Whenever you change your name legally, it is done through the court. Even when you are married your marraige certificate is done through the court establishing a new last name. thus, to change any part of your name legally, you must file a petition in the Superior Court, pay a filing and publication fee, and get a court order.
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