Legal Question in Family Law in Virginia

Re: Professional name change

I know of several women attorneys who have done this and, as far as I know, there have been no problems. The general rule in Virginia is that, in order for there to be a problem with the use of a "fictitious name," there must be an intent to defraud.

There is a statutory requirement that, if you do business under an "assumed" or "fictitious" name, you must file a fictitious name certificate in the local circuit court clerk's office, Va Code sec. 59.1-69.

If you have incorporated yourself for business purposes, there should be no problem, as you would be doing business as "Jane Doe, M.D., P.L.C.," which is your legal incorporated name, and not a fictitious name at all.

Please Note:

The answer to the question above does not constitute the establishment of an attorney-client relationship. The information provided is general in nature, and is not intended to, nor is there any representation that it does, meet your legal needs. You are not being advised to take or not to take any action pursuant to this general information. You are strongly encouraged to obtain the services of legal counsel to pursue any legal rights and remedies you may have.