4. PAY SOMEONE ELSE TO DO IT
So you now know how easy it is to change your name on your own. But for those of you that are lazy, nervous, rich, or some combination thereof, there are plenty of ways to get other people to help you out in your quest to change your name:
- One reputable way is to use a lawyer you know and respect. Well, perhaps that's asking too much. At the least, a lawyer who won't take advantage of you. With a lawyer on your side, you know that you won't accidentally declare yourself as dead.
- If a lawyer is too expensive, try asking a paralegal. They can get the job done in certain states and are bound to be cheaper.
- There also are places on the web that will change your name for you. Caution: There is no Better Business Bureau to contact if they use your credit card information and personal details to assume your identity! Make sure you feel comfortable with their operation and ask lots of questions.
Some of these web sites include:- NameThatBride.com is geared toward brides who have an easier time changing their name because their marriage license is documentation. But it also has links to all the forms and procedures in one place, such as the U.S. Passport Agency and Social Security.
- www.namechangelaw.com which charges $24.95 for a "generic" name change kit, although some are specific to a handful of states.
- www.uslegalforms.com is cheaper at $20 for a "multi-state" kit but the price fluctuates according to certain states. For example, Alabama costs $15 but Alaska is $35.
- www.namechange123.com requires $49.99 for up to seven documents changed and an additional $7 for each additional change.
- www.kitbiz.com shows a bride frolicking in the ocean with her new husband and the slogan "Until now the name change process was frustrating and time consuming. Don't you have better things to do with your time! Like being with your new husband!" It costs $24.95 for the Official New Bride Name Change Kit plus shipping. Kits not designed for brides cost $69.95 for a do-it-yourself and $149.95 for a prepared completed kit.
- NameThatBride.com is geared toward brides who have an easier time changing their name because their marriage license is documentation. But it also has links to all the forms and procedures in one place, such as the U.S. Passport Agency and Social Security.
