The Process of Petitioning a Court – You are able to alter your name for a variety of reasons, including as part of the process of transitioning from one gender to another. Name changes can be requested by Alabama citizens through the state’s local probate courts by filing a petition.
- Complete a form to change your name (Form PS-12), then get it notarized by a public official.
- Please provide a comprehensive explanation of the reasons you wish to alter your name.
- Participate in or submit yourself to a check of your criminal record (a background check)
- Please be prepared to provide identification along with a copy of your birth certificate that has been officially attested.
- When you file your petition to change your name, you will be required to pay a filing fee.
- You are required to appear in court and argue your case in front of a judge of the probate.
It is not possible to alter one’s name in order to avoid criminal prosecution, legal action, or financial obligations. In addition, it is against the law to get a name change in order to commit fraud. Even though there is no law in Alabama that specifically prohibits convicted felons and registered sexual offenders from changing their names, a court may nevertheless refuse such a request if they have concerns about the person’s character.
- You should also be aware that you will be required to have lived in the state and county in which you are filing your petition to change your name for a minimum of one year before doing so.
- You will be required to show evidence that can verify your residence.
- If you are a minor kid (someone who is less than 19 years old), you will also require the assistance of your parents.
Your petition will either be granted or turned down by the court. In the event that your request is successful, a decree confirming your new name will be delivered to you. You should try to get at least a few certified copies so that you may present them to other agencies that will also need to modify their records to reflect your new name.
How much does it cost to change your last name in Alabama?
Both a cashier’s check and a money order are acceptable forms of payment for the $25.00 charge that must be paid. For information on acceptable forms of picture identification, please check the webpage provided below for the Alabama Department of Public Safety (follow the links).
Where do I go to change my last name in Alabama?
A Brief Synopsis of the Name-Changing Laws That Apply to Adults in the State of Alabama – An adult resident of Alabama who wishes to change their name must initiate the process by going to the state’s Probate Court and submitting the necessary paperwork.
In Alabama, changing one’s name as an adult starts with the submission of a Verified Petition with the Probate Court in the jurisdiction in which the petitioner resides. This petition must be signed by the adult who wants their name changed. As was said earlier, the individual who will be initiating the action or application, known as the petitioner, is required to have resided in both the state of Alabama and the county in which they will be submitting their petition or application for at least one (1) year prior to doing so.
Personal information is included in the Verified Petition, as is required by legislation. This information includes the petitioner’s current name as well as the new name the petitioner desires to take. Following the submission of the Verified Petition as well as any other necessary paperwork and the payment of the relevant filing fee for such, the Court will set a hearing date for the Petitioner.
During the hearing, the court may accept testimony from any and all parties who have a stake in the matter, and it may also examine under oath the petitioner as well as any other person who has relevant information about the petition. In the event that someone files an objection to your request, your case will become disputed, and it is strongly recommended that you retain legal representation at this point.
In the event that you do not retain legal counsel, you will be required to act as your own representative during the contentious hearing. The change of name that has been sought may be granted or denied by the Court. If the judge is convinced that the petitioner has satisfied the statutory requirements, that the requested name change would be appropriate, and that the change would not be detrimental to the interests of any other person, then the judge will sign a Decree allowing the petitioner to take the new name.
If the judge is not convinced that the petitioner has satisfied the statutory requirements, then the judge will not sign the Decree. Generally speaking, the petitioner only has to make two appearances in court: the first one is to file the case, and the second one is to go before the judge and ask for their name to be changed.
However, there are circumstances when the court will hear the petitioner’s request for a name change immediately after the petitioner has sent in their documents (that same day).
How do I change my last name after marriage in Mobile Alabama?
Where Do I Go in Alabama to Change My Last Name? [Where Do I Go] – The majority of people may complete the name change process by simply signing a marriage certificate with their new last name. Nevertheless, a person who wishes to change their surname must first seek a name-changing order from the probate court in the county in where they now reside.
- In order to achieve this: Get a copy of your criminal record that is officially certified from the Alabama Bureau of Investigation.
- Collect all forms of valid picture identification, such as a driver’s license, a passport, and a certified copy of your birth certificate.
- Pay a visit to the district or county probate court ( see directory ).
Put in writing your request to get your name changed by submitting the appropriate paperwork. Include a statement explaining the rationale behind the name change as an attachment (ask the court staff for an acceptable format). Please include your identification documents and a copy of your birth certificate that has been certified.
- Pay the filing fee, and the Clerk will provide you with the hearing date that has been arranged.
- You are required to appear in court and provide the probate judge with an explanation on the basis for the name change.
- Should the petition be granted by the probate court, that individual will be required to issue a decree confirming the name change.
In the final step, the person is required to see the Court Clerk in order to acquire certified copies of the decree.
How do I change my name on my birth certificate in Alabama?
Information on a birth certificate that was entered incorrectly when the birth certificate was initially prepared by the certifier (doctor, hospital, midwife, etc.) may be corrected through an Amendment Process that is specified by law. This process allows for the correction of information that was entered incorrectly when the birth certificate was initially prepared.
- In order to implement the requested modifications, it is possible that legal paperwork or a court action may be necessary.
- The information that has been amended will be written on the birth certificate, and the certificate will be designated as having been “Amended.” You can submit a request for corrections by filling out a request form and specifying the modifications you would like made to the birth certificate.
There is also a Spanish version of this form available. Correction Application Form Paquete de Enmiendas for Certificados de Nacimiento y Defunción de Alabama Send the filled-out request form together with the necessary $20 modification fee, which includes one certified copy of the certificate.
How much does it cost to change your name after marriage in Alabama?
Bring in evidence of domicile, proof of your existing name, a copy of your driver’s license (a photo identification is necessary), a copy of your birth certificate, and indicate why you want to change your name. Bring the paperwork that have been filled out, signed, and notarized to this office, as well as the filing fee of $37.00 in either cash, a check, or credit or debit card.
Can a legal guardian change a child’s last name in Alabama?
In most cases, one or both parents must file a petition for their kid to change their name in the county in where the child or one of the parents now resides. This petition necessitates the submission of a picture identification of the petitioner(s), a proof of domicile, a criminal history check, and a copy of the child’s birth certificate that has been authenticated.
Where do I go to get a marriage license in Alabama?
How to Obtain a Marriage Certificate That Is Already Issued – Get the Application to Send in the Mail Here (also available in Spanish ) By Mail: Send the aforementioned information as well as the required cost to the following address: Alabama Vital Records P.O.
- Box 5625 Montgomery, Alabama 36103-5625 In Person in Alabama: If you want to get a copy of your Alabama marriage certificate that is officially certified, you can do so by going to any county health department in the state of Alabama.
- The vast majority of marriage certificates can be granted while the applicant is still waiting.
It is possible to download a map that pinpoints the locations of county health departments from which one can access vital records. Check out the Reference Map, or go to the Locations page. To Place an Order for a Certificate Via the Internet: You may use any major credit or debit card to place an order for certificates with the help of the supplier of services VitalChek.
How do I change my name on my birth certificate in Alabama?
Information on a birth certificate that was entered incorrectly when the birth certificate was initially prepared by the certifier (doctor, hospital, midwife, etc.) may be corrected through an Amendment Process that is specified by law. This process allows for the correction of information that was entered incorrectly when the birth certificate was initially prepared.
- In order to implement the requested modifications, it is possible that legal paperwork or a court action may be necessary.
- The information that has been amended will be written on the birth certificate, and the certificate will be designated as having been “Amended.” You can submit a request for corrections by filling out a request form and specifying the modifications you would like made to the birth certificate.
There is also a Spanish version of this form available. Correction Application Form Paquete de Enmiendas for Certificados de Nacimiento y Defunción de Alabama Send the filled-out request form together with the necessary $20 modification fee, which includes one certified copy of the certificate.