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Wednesday, January 22nd
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.
HitchSwitch is a name change service that has been around since 2013. They offer three packages, starting at $39, which provide access to the necessary forms for changing your name. The higher-tier packages offer additional features such as pre-stamped envelopes, email support, and a personal name change concierge. However, HitchSwitch's reputation has been tarnished more recently by complaints about poor customer service and questionable value for the price. Considering other higher-ranking competitors first might be a wiser choice to make sure that your name change experience goes smoothly and that you get the most for your money.
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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