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Legal Shield vs Find Legal Forms

Sunday, May 18th

2025 Name Change Service Reviews

Legal Shield Review 3 Star Rating

Legal Shield

3 Star Rating
  • Starting at $26.95/month (billed annually) or $29.95 on month-to-month plans
  • Legal guidance for getting name changes approved (not help with filling out already-approved name change forms)
  • Might be able to get a prorated refund
  • "A+” rated and accredited by the BBB
  • More than 6,000 5-star reviews for company as a whole
  • In business since 1999

LegalShield offers a unique approach to name change services through a monthly legal membership rather than a one-time package. Founded in 1999, the company has served over 4 million individuals and 140,000 businesses, providing access to legal advice at a lower cost than traditional attorneys. Plans start at $26.95/month (billed annually) or $29.95 month-to-month, covering legal guidance for getting name changes approved - though not assistance with filling out forms letting others know of the change. While LegalShield holds an "A+” BBB rating and boasts over 6,000 five-star reviews, its refund policy is vague, and customer service can be hit-or-miss. If you need legal help from the start of the name change process, LegalShield is a solid option, but since it doesn't handle post-approval paperwork like other name change platforms, we give it a middle-of-the-road rating.

Find Legal Forms Review 1.5 Star Rating

Find Legal Forms

1.5 Star Rating
  • Individual name change documents from $12.95 to $19.95
  • Forms geared towards name changes resulting from marriage/divorce
  • Guaranteed to be legally valid in your state
  • 60-day money-back guarantee
  • In business since 2001

Find Legal Forms is the lowest-rated name change service on our list, offering cheap, downloadable forms but little else. With no interactive guidance, minimal customer support, and an outdated DIY approach, it leaves users to navigate the process alone. Despite claiming to serve millions, it has almost no reviews, and its BBB rating has dropped to a "B-” due to unresolved complaints. While Find Legal Forms is one of the most affordable name change services, the lack of reliability and hard-to-reach customer service make it a platform we'd avoid.

Which Name Change Service is the Best?

Every year, thousands of people legally change their names. Marriage and divorce are still the most common reasons, but more people are also changing their names as part of gender transition, and adoption-related name changes happen all the time. The exact number of name changes each year can be hard to track since not all states report them, but one thing is clear: it's becoming more common as people embrace life changes and make their names match their identities.

Changing your name is a big deal, but it's something plenty of people do every year in all of those situations. Whatever your reason may be, the process can feel like a lot to handle. That's where name change services come in - they help you cut through the paperwork and make sure everything gets updated without the hassle.

The Best Name Change Services Compare Name Change Services Compare Name Change Service Reviews What are the best Name Change Services Best Name Change Service Reviews

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 circumstances 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.
Compare the Best Reviews

Continued from above...

One important thing to know is that most name change services don't actually grant you a legal name change. You need to have the right legal documents first, like a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Once you have that, the real work begins - updating your name everywhere it matters. That means letting the Social Security Administration know, getting a new driver's license or state ID, updating your bank and credit card info, and making sure your employer, insurance company, and other accounts all reflect your new name.

A name change service takes the headache out of this process. Instead of figuring it all out on your own, they provide the right forms, pre-fill your info where possible, and guide you through every step. Some even handle submitting certain documents for you, saving you time and avoiding mistakes. Instead of spending hours on government websites or waiting on hold, you can just follow their process and get everything done smoothly.

If you're thinking about using a name change service, you might get bogged down by all of the options out there. Which one is right for you? Here are some things to consider:

  • Ease of use. The best services make it simple, with step-by-step instructions and forms that don't leave you guessing.
  • Online vs. paper-only. Some name change services only provide forms for you to download and print out, while others give you a robust online platform that lets you pre-fill your paperwork (and maybe even submit some of your name change requests digitally).
  • Cost. Prices vary, so make sure you're getting the most bang for your buck with any name change service you choose. Some are a one-time cost, but others make you sign up for a monthly or annual membership to access their services, so pay attention to the details.
  • Reputation. Look at what other clients have said about the service, and go with one that has consistent, positive feedback. Don't forget to see if the BBB has rated the name change company too.

Changing your name is a fresh start, but dealing with the paperwork doesn't have to be a pain: just use one of today's most popular name change services, researched and ranked by the experts at Top Consumer Reviews. These services can take care of the details so you can focus on confidently moving forward with your new name!

The Best Reviews of Name Change Services