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Wednesday, January 22nd
Easy Name Change aims to simplify the often time-consuming process of changing your name into just 15 minutes. They offer two name change kits, one for self-printing at $39 and another for printed and shipped documents at $79. While their focus is primarily on name changes due to marriage or divorce, their kit is suitable for all name change reasons. The service has an "A+" BBB rating, mostly positive reviews from Trustpilot users, and a 60-day refund policy with some restrictions. While limited feedback from US-based clients prevents a higher ranking in our evaluation, we still give Easy Name Change a tentative thumbs-up.
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.
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 circumstances, 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.
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:
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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