There are any numbers of reasons a person might want to change their name. Perhaps your parents gave you a first name that elicits unwanted attention, or just doesn’t seem to suit you. You might have an unlikely – maybe even unseemly – combination of first and last names that sounds awkward or wrong when used together. Maybe the name change involves a child; if you had your son and daughter as a single mom and have gone on to remarry, you may wish the child to have the same last name of you. Regardless of your reasons, getting your name changed is a legal process that is a bit more complicated than you might think. It’s worth it in the long run; getting a legal name change will enable you to use your new name under any circumstances and for any purpose for the rest of your life.
Legal Name Change
Jump Ahead To
Other than changing your name when you get married, which is done in probate court, a legal name change for any other reason is done through the family court. Under the South Carolina Code of Laws, Section 15-49-10 requires that any request for a name change be submitted to a family court judge by way of a petition. A petition outlines who is requesting the change, their place of birth, their current residence, as well as why the change is being requested. In the case of a name change for a minor, the child’s parent would make the request, listing themselves as well as the child on the petition. Once a petition is filed, the clerk of court will schedule a hearing at which the judge will hear – and rule – on your request.
Requirements Before A Name Change Can Be Granted
Under state law, there are certain requirement that must be met by the person requesting the change. Requirements for getting your name changed include:
- State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) background check: SLED checks to see if the person requesting the name change is listed on the state sex offender registry. If the person is listed as a sex offender, the court will inform the registry of the name change.
- Department of Social Services (DSS) abuse and neglect registry check: DSS will verify if the person requesting a name change has been found guilty of child abuse or neglect. If the person’s current name is on the registry, the court will notify DSS when the name has been changed.
- Affidavit of conviction for any crimes: You will be required to notify the court if you have ever been convicted of a criminal matter.
- Affidavit of domestic support orders: You must notify the court of any child support or alimony orders against you, so that the record may be changed to reflect your new name.
Contact an Experienced South Carolina Family Law Attorney
If you are contemplating a name change for yourself or your child, contact an experienced Greenville South Carolina family law attorney . At the Law Firm of Lauren M. Taylor, we have experience helping clients meet court requirements, and can help you get your name change done quickly and professionally. Our office will guide you through what can be a complicated legal process, while always looking out for your best interests. Contact us today for an initial consultation.
South Carolina divorce attorney Lauren Taylor practices family law in Charleston and Greenville. She graduated from the Charlotte School of Law, and has been practicing for more than ten years.
Since the firm’s inception in 2012, Mrs. Taylor has helped hundreds of people navigate the uncertainties surrounding the family and criminal court process.
She has cultivated a team that ensures each case has a strategy crafted specifically to the clients needs and desires.
Her commitment to top notch service has led her to open two additional offices in the low country where she now resides with her husband Michael and her golden retriever, Buster.