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Tuesday, May 14th
2024 Name Change Service Reviews
LegalZoom
- Name change service available for adults and children
- Can help you get a court order for the name change
- Pricing starts at $139
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
- "A+" rated and accredited by the BBB
LegalZoom is a highly-rated name change service that can help you with the entire process of changing your name, even if it's not due to marriage or divorce. They offer packages for adults and minors, starting at $139, which include customized name change documents, instructions for filing with the court, a checklist of institutions to notify, and a thorough review of your documents. With lifetime customer support and a satisfaction guarantee, LegalZoom ensures your name change goes smoothly. While it may be excessive for simple marriage-related name changes, LegalZoom is still our first-place choice - especially for more complex situations.
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US Legal Forms
- Name change forms available for adults and children
- Consists of forms and instructions
- Over 85,000 legal forms for a variety of needs, not just name changes
- Subscription-based: $8 or $15 per month (when billed annually)
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
- Founded in 1997
US Legal Forms has been around since 1997 and claims to be the top online publisher of state-specific legal documents in the US. They offer a subscription-based name change service starting at $8/month (billed annually), giving you access to over 85,000 additional legal forms. However, we noticed some issues with typos on their website and their BBB rating has been downgraded due to complaints about canceling subscriptions and getting refunds. While US Legal Forms has some surprisingly positive reviews on Trustpilot, there are better options out there with more reliable reputations.
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US Legal Forms
Which Name Change Service is the Best?
Changing your name in the United States is an important decision that many people make for various reasons. Whether it's to express your true identity, leave behind a difficult past or walk with joy into a future with a spouse, honor your cultural heritage, or adapt to new circ*mstances, the process involves legal and administrative steps that can be daunting.
The specifics may differ depending on the state, but generally, you'll need to file a petition with the appropriate court and pay some fees. Some states may require you to attend a court hearing. If so, at the hearing, you'll explain why you want to change your name. If the court approves your request, they'll issue a legal name change order, which serves as the basis for updating your identification documents and notifying relevant institutions.
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Name Change Service FAQ
The most common reason for a name change is marriage. Many brides still follow the tradition of taking on their husband's last name. But, there are many other reasons which may include divorce, adoption, or couples who want to hyphenate both of their last names.
No, not usually. Most companies and governmental offices will change your name on their records at no cost. The only exceptions are usually associated with photo IDs, such as your driver's license and passport.
You've probably already fulfilled the legal requirements if you're changing your name due to marriage or divorce. On the other hand, if other circ*mstances apply, you will probably need to appear in court to legally change your name before you can have the new name reflected on your ID and accounts. Those laws vary by state.
The list is long! Bank accounts, investments, professional licenses, reward programs, credit cards, streaming services and vehicle title/registration are just a few places you'll need to have your name changed.
How much time do you want to spend researching the process and requirements for each place you need to change your name? Name change services have already done that legwork for you. Plus, they give you access to the forms you need and often let you fill out the information one time online - then auto-populate that information on each form you'll submit. Using a name change service saves you time and helps you think of each place you need to register your new name.
Definitely! Some of these services have been around for two decades or longer. You can always check out a company's listing with the BBB and look at client reviews for that extra peace of mind that a service is on the up-and-up.
That depends on the service you select. You can get a basic package to print at home for under $20, or you can select a comprehensive service with personal advice and professional legal review for more than $100. Also, name changes for reasons other than marriage or divorce (e.g. adoption, gender change, etc.) tend to cost more, because they require the extra step of being court-approved.
Filling out your information can be done in just a few minutes, especially if you choose a name change service that lets you complete your forms online. Most non-governmental name changes, like credit cards and subscriptions, will be done in a week or two, possibly less. You'll have to go in person to change your name on your driver's license, so naturally that depends on how quickly you can get an appointment at your local DMV. Passports usually take the longest: it's not unusual for it to take 4-6 weeks or more.
Sometimes, yes. Name change services are fairly low-risk, but the best ones offer a satisfaction guarantee that will either work with you to fix any issues you have or refund the fees you paid.
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Of course, if your name is changing because you're getting married, your license/certificate stands in place of a court order with respect to documentation. Once you have the name change order (or your marriage/divorce is official), it's time to update your official documents.
You'll need to get a new Social Security card, driver's license or state ID, passport, and other identification papers. Don't forget to change your name on bank accounts, credit cards, utility bills, and insurance policies too. It's also important to inform your employer, school, healthcare providers, and anyone else who needs to know about the change.
Are you exhausted just thinking about it? Fortunately, name change services can make this whole process much easier by providing guidance throughout the journey. With their expertise, you can save time and make sure you've completed all the necessary steps accurately. In many cases, you can even submit all of your information online and with one click, the name change service sends a request to hundreds (or thousands) of financial institutions and businesses in their database to update your record with your new name.
Which name change service is right for you? Many of them are similar, but here are some key characteristics that will help you make the choice:
- Kind of name changes available. Some services only focus on marriage-related switches, while others can accommodate court-ordered name changes (adoption, gender identity, and so on).
- Type of service offered. Are you looking for help getting a court-ordered name change? Most services don't specialize in that: they assume you've already got the documentation and you're just updating all of the necessary governmental offices, banks, and so on. Make sure you choose a name change service that offers the help you actually need.
- Fees. What will you pay for the service? Is it a one-time fee or is it subscription-based?
- Reputation. What do previous clients say about the name change service you're considering? Did they get the job done with no hassle? Was it worth the money? Has the Better Business Bureau rated the service?
Whatever your reason may be for changing your name, there's no need for it to be complicated - or expensive - to get it done. Top Consumer Reviews has made it simple and straightforward by reviewing the best (and the worst) name change services available today.
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