Legal Question in Family Law in Georgia
Legal Name Change
My son is 17 and will be 18 in a few weeks. He would like to legally change his last name. I have contacted the county where I live and spoken to several differnt people and they have been no help whatsover. One told me we would have to file a petition, then place an ad in our local paper, but stated they did not have any forms. I just would like to know if we need an attorney to handle this matter or if it can be done on our own and what steps we need to take in pursuing this. I would appreciate any advice on what steps we should take in pursuing this matter.
3 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Legal Name Change
I would advise waiting until your son turns 18 and then retain an attorney to handle the paperwork. It is risky to do it himself and it is worth the cost.
The foregoing is general information only, not specific legal advice. No attorney/client relation has been created or should be implied.
Glenn M. Lyon, Esq
MacGregor Lyon, LLC
Promenade II
1230 Peachtree Street NE
Suite 1900
Atlanta Georgia 30309
Phone 404.942.3545
Fax 404.795.0993
www.macgregorlyon.com
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Re: Legal Name Change
The process will be simpler if you wait to his 18th birthday when he can file himself. While it is possible to be your own lawyer, in many counties you'll have a tough time as many clerks discourage it, and you'll need to have correct papers and know the exact procedures. So you may find the very small added cost of having a lawyer do it right is worthwhile.
The court and county newspaper will charge roughly $160.
Our office can handle the paperwork, and, if your county requires it, a court appearance, if you're in a county where we practice. The legal fees range from $99 up depending on county. Feel free to call me at 404-768-3509.
Re: Legal Name Change
The folks at the courthouse are doing the right thing in this case: they are not supposed to give legal advice. Once he turns, 18 he can file the petition to change his name. He can do it himself, just as I, being a lawyer, can try surgically to remove a cyst from my arm. However, if it's not done correctly, his petition may be dismissed and he will have forfeited his filing fee.
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