How to change your name in Etowah County?

Name Change Lawyers | Dani Bone & Sam Bone 

Dani Bone & Sam Bone have handled hundreds of name changes. We know the system and can move your name change paperwork through the Court in an expeditious and anonymous manner. Let our Name Change Attorneys handle the paperwork and take the stress away from you so that you can live your life. If you have questions about a name change, call us today. We can help. 

1. First, you need to find out if you are eligible for a name change.
   
   Determine if you’re eligible. It doesn't do much good to go through the name-change process, only to find out in the end that you don’t qualify. Here are some things to be aware of:
   • You have to be 19 years of age or older to file the request
   • You can’t make the request to avoid paying a debt or a judgment against you, or to defraud someone
   • You must not be a convicted Criminal Sex Offender (under Alabama law) or a defendant in a criminal proceeding.
   • You can't be a party to any judicial proceeding in any court in any
     jurisdiction;
   • Must not  currently be a defendant to any criminal charge;
   • Cannot have been convicted of any felony or crime involving moral
     turpitude
      
2. Compile the identification documents you’ll need. Although required documentation varies from county to county, prepare to provide the following:
   • A certified copy of your birth certificate (not a photocopy)
   • Proof of residency, such as a lease, deed or utility bill (some Probate courts may require two such documents)
   • A driver’s license or other government-issued photo ID
   • Your social security card.
      
3. Find a copy of your marriage certificate or divorce decree. If you changed your name when you got married or divorced, the Probate court may want to review these papers.
    
4. Collect additional documents if you’re requesting a name change for a minor. If you’re looking to change the name of someone under 19 years old (a minor in Alabama), there’s additional paperwork you may need, such as:
   • A certified copy of the minor child’s birth certificate
   • The child’s social security cardProof that the father listed on the name-change Petition is the child’s natural father (if his name isn’t on the child’s birth certificate).
   • A certified copy of the court order or blood test confirming this will be required
   • A certified copy of any court order terminating the parental rights of the child’s father or mother, if applicable
      
5. Bring your necessary documents to your lawyer.
   • Dani Bone & Sam Bone have handled hundreds of name changes. We know the system and can move your name change paperwork through the Court in an expeditious and anonymous manner. Let our Name Change Attorneys handle the paperwork and take the stress away from you so that you can live your life. If you have questions about a name change, call us today. We can help. 
   • Your lawyer will have the necessary forms to Petition for a Change of Namea the Probate Court. 
6. Attend the hearing. Some county Probate courts will require you to attend a hearing before they’ll grant you the name-change. Usually the hearing involves going over items in your Petition, including answering any questions the Probate judge might have about the Petition or the documents you've provided. This is perfectly normal, and the fact that the court requires a hearing doesn't mean there’s a problem with your request.
7. Get a new social security card. Once the Probate court gives you the official document changing your name, you still have a lot of work to do. Applying for a new social security card should be a top priority. You can get more information on this at http://www.socialsecurity.gov.
8. Change your driver’s license and other motor vehicle documentation. In Alabama, you’ll need to contact the local motor vehicle office and the Department of Public Safety. Check http://www.dmv.org/al-alabama/dmv-office-finder.php#AL-Department-of-Public-Safety-DPS-Offices for more information.
9. Obtain a new birth certificate. You can do this by contacting the Bureau of Vital Statistics in Montgomery, Alabama.
10. Contact credit card companies and banks. You’ll probably need to have new credit and/or debit cards issued with your new name. Also reach out to your bank, regarding any accounts, loans, etc. that may require attention because of the name change. You’ll undoubtedly find other companies that you may want to notify, as you move forward.