Changing Your Identity / Fleeing from Abuser

We do not have specific information on changing one’s name on our website but in many states, for an adult to change their name, s/he would have to file a petition in court and provide a reason to the judge for the name change. The adult petitioning for a name change may also have to publish notice of the name change in one ore more newspapers or publications. However, some states have exceptions and may not require publishing notice of the name change if someone is a victim of domestic violence. Once these steps are followed, generally, the judge will either have a hearing or will make a decision based on the information you provided in your paperwork. Then, generally, the judge will decide whether to grant the name change and issue an order. I found information on the [STATE] court’s website about changing one’s name that may be useful. [google adult name change petition + state name and then provide that link]

For children, in most states, a parent cannot change the children’s names without the consent of the other parent. There are exceptions in some states. For example, in some states, if a judge believes it is in the child’s best interest to change the child’s name even without the other parent’s consent, the judge can allow it.