Legal Question in Family Law in Georgia

Change a legal name

I'm licensed and practice in Tennessee, and not Georgia, so it is possible my advice will not apply to Georgia, but I have researched this issue for five different states, including Tennessee, and also checked as to what the general rule is in most states -- NO, you do NOT need a lawyer, or even to go to court in order to legally change your name.Simply begin using a new name, inform your creditors, stop using the old name, and so long as you are not making the change in order to avoid criminal prosecution, the new name has just become your legal name.That's the way I changed my name.BUT, be prepared to have a fight on your hands with the first several bureaucrats you wil have to deal with to get your name changed on various records.I'm a litigator, and enjoy a good argument by nature, but if you don't, or aren't going to be able to persuade anyone.... then it is probably worth the minor expense (probably about $200 for court costs AND an attorney) to get the name change made through the court and to have that court order that will very easily answer any question. (Since I lived in Indiana at the time, I literally carried the Indiana Supreme Court decision in my pocket at the time and pulled it out when I reached an ignorant bureaucrat... and then kept demanding to speak with superior after superior until I got high enough up the food chain I found someone who could read.)

Nothing special

You must file a petition in the county of residence of the person whose name is to be canged. there must be an ad run in the legal periodical for that county. There must be a hearing at which te judge askes if anyone objects. It usually takes about 3 minutes in court. You can do it yourself but its best to have a lawyer.

Change of name without court order

At common law, any body can change their name without a court order.They must just start using the new name consistently. As long this isnot for fraudulent purposes, this can be done. An example is that manywomen change their names when they get married. They do not get acourt order, they merely start using their new name. Your state mayhave different laws on this subject and you should consult a lawyer inyour state.