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Originally Posted by DechanDawa
I legally changed my last name to my grandmother's maiden name years ago. I wanted to honor her memory and I liked how it sounded with my first name. As I recall, the legal procedure was remarkably easy...just went down to the courthouse and in no time at all it was done. (Faster than getting a tattoo!) Everyone had opinions and many people were peeved. My (now ex) was peeved I "threw away" his last name (that was so much "drama" cuz I think he understood my reasons) my in-laws were peeved, and initially my father was peeved even though it was his mother's maiden name. When I explained my reasons to my father he understood and said that it was unique and unusual to honor a woman in this way and he felt deeply moved by my gesture. People will always voice their opinions but a name is such a personal thing I thing it really isn't anyone's business. I never regretted taking this name and I will never change it.
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I actually like that idea, and wouldn't mind changing to my grandmother's maiden name. But that opens another whole can of worms for me.
I can't believe there are so many people who changed their names on here! Makes me feel better.
It costs about $400 for the filing here plus all the other notary and background check fees. Probably $500-$600 when all said and done. Here you have to file with the court, then go get a fingerprint and background check by the sheriff, then go to your hearing. If it gets approved, then once you get your final paperwork, you start notifying different agencies. I found a "how to" on the best order to do everything, because different agencies need different copies of old ID and new ID, so there's like a specific order to do it in so you don't have issues. I've heard it can take a day or it can take 3 months. Just depends.
I'm going to try and go the easy route first and just start using it as my professional name. Because I may be moving to another state soon, I don't want to have to start the process over in a new state.
Seesaw