Legal name change

I want to change my name, simply because I don't like the name I was given/born with. It doesn't suit me at all, and it's impossible to pronounce. I'm tired of clarifying and I'm tired of having an "identity" that I don't feel right in.

Just wondering how I can get started. I've seen tons of online "kits" but I don't trust any of them. I don't even really know who to see you start the process.

Also, how do I go about "transitioning". My new name will be drastically different than my current name. Do I tell people in advance? Just do it and stop answering to my old name?

Has anyone here done this or ever known anyone that has?

Thanks in advance.

It would really help if you told us where you're from. Different countries have different rules.

But, regardless, in the UK you do not need to do anything to change your first name. You just assume that name and tell people to call you that, change your first name with certain organizations etc. Some very official things may need to stay as your given first name but not very many.

To change your last name you need to go to your local council and change it by deed poll (if that's not the right place then they can tell you exactly where to go). It costs money (no idea how much) and takes a couple of weeks to sort out. My sister and her husband had their surnames changed a few years ago and they've not had any trouble with it.

Make sure you change it to something awesome, like Duke Nukem.

Oh yeah, I'm in the US. I guess I'm just egocentric and think everyone who speaks English is too. I know in the US you can go by any name you want too, as long as you sign your given name on documents. I wanna do it up all the way though.

Just go to the Courthouse and ask.

Honestly, it's the easiest way.

State?

Wisconsin

http://www.wicourts.gov/services/pub...p/faqsname.htm

Exactly what I was intending to do before I went on vacation. Thanks snead.

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Originally Posted by ollie cromwell

Exactly what I was intending to do before I went on vacation. Thanks snead.

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Are you the OP? And if so, is Ollie Cromwell your real name? Cos you should never ever change it!

I (and I'm sure others) would like to know what your changing your name to and why! Are you changing it to something over the top? Or are you going with a regular name that you think fits you.

Sorry for asking, I just find this very interesting.

soyouwanna.com has a good step by step guide for it

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Originally Posted by Drunkmike

I (and I'm sure others) would like to know what your changing your name to and why! Are you changing it to something over the top? Or are you going with a regular name that you think fits you.

Sorry for asking, I just find this very interesting.

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I was more interested in the opposite. What was your original name?

No, not the OP. I was thanking Snead for finding the appropriate state law and linking to it, since I spaced out. Also not my real name.

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Originally Posted by ollie cromwell

No, not the OP. I was thanking Snead for finding the appropriate state law and linking to it, since I spaced out. Also not my real name.

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I think I actually PM'd you on LWS about your name and its historic meaning. :)

Also, I'm kind of interested in the before and after names.

OP here.

Do you mean my before and after names?

If so, my first name isn't so bad. I don't think it suits me, but as a "stand alone" it's semi-tolerable. It's not that common though, and as a result most people butcher it. I'm tired of correcting and explaining. When pronounced with my last name, it's even worse. My last name is not the last name I was born with. It's my stepfather's last name, who legally adopted me. It's a Polish last name, and when said with my first name, sounds like an unpronouncable mess, and if I hear "uhhh...what?!" on the phone one more time when calling for someone I'm going to scream. My birth last name is Gregory. I'd like to have it back. My chosen first name would be either Ethan or Vincent. Either is totally doable in my book.

I'd go with Vincent.

I'd probably keep my middle name, so it's either Ethan James Gregory or Vincent James Gregory. I'm just not sure I want the initials VJ. ;)

I'm telling you. Go with Vincent.

(It's my middle name. I'm partial to it.)

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Originally Posted by Anonymous

OP here.

Do you mean my before and after names?

If so, my first name isn't so bad. I don't think it suits me, but as a "stand alone" it's semi-tolerable. It's not that common though, and as a result most people butcher it. I'm tired of correcting and explaining. When pronounced with my last name, it's even worse. My last name is not the last name I was born with. It's my stepfather's last name, who legally adopted me. It's a Polish last name, and when said with my first name, sounds like an unpronouncable mess, and if I hear "uhhh...what?!" on the phone one more time when calling for someone I'm going to scream. My birth last name is Gregory. I'd like to have it back. My chosen first name would be either Ethan or Vincent. Either is totally doable in my book.

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From this I am guessing your name is Bartholomew Bashitski.