Several legal options are available for obtaining a name change. Names may be changed by an Adoption Decree, through a name change petition filed with the Special Proceedings Division, or through an application by a widow or divorced woman for the resumption of a maiden name, name of a prior deceased husband, or name of a prior divorced husband if her children have that husband’s surname. Working with an experienced name change lawyer or attorney can help ensure the proper procedure is followed based on the specific circumstances of your case.

If the actual birth name is to be changed, a state and federal criminal record check must be completed, which includes a visit to the sheriff’s department in the county where the person lives to be fingerprinted. A name change attorney prepares the name change application, which is signed by the petitioner and submitted to the clerk of court for filing. Once approved, the order of name change is submitted to the North Carolina Department of Vital Records to be forwarded to the state where the birth occurred to update the birth certificate. The process can take over six months.

Landon A. Dunn, Attorney At Law can help you with name changes and provide advice in any aspect of family law. Call us at 704-688-0505 or use our online contact form.