*$1,398.00 price applies to potential clients with no criminal history. If you have a criminal history, Pinellas Family Lawyer may still be able to assist you in getting your name change granted, however you must speak with an attorney first to determine additional work needed.

You can legally change your name by choosing Pinellas Family Lawyer to represent you. After you sign up with Pinellas Family Lawyer, you will be directed to our encrypted online form to submit the personal information we need to prepare your Petition for Change of Name.

Once your personal information has been submitted, one of our name change attorneys will contact you to review the information provided and answer any questions you have about your legal documents and the name change process.

Once your Petition for Change of Name is finalized, it will be filed, and a case number will be assigned. Once a case number is assigned, it will be time for you to get your background check, and the process will almost be complete! (Don’t worry; our office will assist you with finding a location and making sure your fingerprinting is accepted.)

A judge will review your name change case once the Court receives your background check (usually within one week). Depending on the judge, there may or may not be a brief hearing (generally fewer than 15 minutes). If a hearing is required, Pinellas Family Lawyer will represent you at the court hearing.

What information will you need to get your name change started? 

Florida Statute 68.07 requires the following information to complete your Petition for Change of Name:

• Your present name
• Your address
• Your date of birth and place of birth
• Your parents’ names
• A list of all places you have lived since birth
• Your spouse’s name, if you are married
• Your children’s names, if you have children, and their ages and addresses
• Any former names
• Your occupation/profession
• Your employer’s information, if employed
• A list of your former employers for the past five years
• A list of the schools you were you have attended, the date of graduation, and the degree you received
• Your criminal history, if any
• Your civil legal history, if any

What Would Prevent You From Having Your Name Changed?

A Florida judge may deny a request for the name change for the following reasons:

• If you are changing your name for a fraudulent, wrongful, or illegal purpose
• If you are a prisoner
• If you have a criminal history
• If you have unpaid creditor’s judgments

What Happens After the Court Grants Your Name Change?

After your name is legally changed, you must update your birth certificate, Social Security card, driver’s license or other identification, passport, and all other accounts associated with your old name. We provide the forms needed to update essential documents with your new legal name. Several services, such as NewlyNamed.com, can assist you in changing your name with these various institutions, including your banks, utilities, etc.