Legal Question in Family Law in Minnesota
Name Change
I have used a different name then on my Birth Certificate for roughly 8 years for eveything.(drivers license, Credit Cards, Taxes) While maintaining the same Social Security Number. It was the removal of a hyphened last name to just one part. When I go to get it legally changed will I face punishment? This is NOT an attempt to escape creditors and and such. Do I need to consult a lawyer?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Name Change
It is not uncommon for individuals with hyphenated names to use one or both of the names at different points in their lives. This is particularly true if you have been married and/or divorced. I don't anticipate any punishment to for using the two names. When you do go to your hearing, the Judge or Judicial officer will ask you a series of questions. One of them will be whether you are changing your name to avoid creditors, etc. They will also ask why you are changing it. You can explain your reason at that time.
Take care.