How Much Does it Cost to Legally Change Your Name?

Introduction

For many people, legally changing their name can be an important step in their life. Whether you are recently married, divorced, adopted, or transitioning genders, legally changing your name is a necessary process. But how much does it cost to legally change your name?

The cost of legally changing your name depends on where you live and what type of name change you are pursuing. In addition to the cost of hiring an attorney to help you through the process, there are also court filing fees, notary fees, and other costs associated with obtaining new documents and publishing a notice in a newspaper.

Breaking Down the Legal Fees Associated with Name Changes

The most significant cost associated with legally changing your name is the fee charged by an attorney. While it is possible to file for a name change without an attorney, it is highly recommended that you hire one to ensure that everything is done correctly and all paperwork is filed properly. The cost of an attorney varies depending on the state you live in and the complexity of your case, but typically ranges from $200-$1000.

In addition to attorney’s fees, you will also need to pay court filing fees. These fees vary by state, but typically range from $50-$100. If you are filing for a name change as part of a marriage, divorce, or adoption, there may be additional fees associated with those processes. Additionally, you may need to hire a notary to witness and certify your signature on certain documents. Notary fees typically range from $10-$50.

A Guide to Other Expenses Involved in Legally Changing Your Name

Once your name has been legally changed, you will need to obtain new documents such as a driver’s license, social security card, passport, and birth certificate. The cost of these documents varies depending on the state and type of document, but typically ranges from $20-$100 per document.

In some states, you may also be required to publish a notice of your name change in a local newspaper. The cost of this service can vary greatly, but typically ranges from $50-$300.

What is the Average Cost to Legally Change Your Name?

According to a survey conducted by the American Bar Association, the average cost to legally change your name is $435. This includes attorney’s fees, court filing fees, and any other related expenses.

Common Reasons for Legally Changing Your Name and How Much it Could Cost

The most common reason for legally changing your name is marriage. According to a study by the National Center for Health Statistics, 7.5 million couples got married in 2018. The cost of legally changing your name after marriage typically ranges from $200-$500, depending on the state you live in.

Divorce is another common reason for legally changing your name. In 2018, 827,261 couples divorced in the United States. The cost of legally changing your name after divorce typically ranges from $200-$500, depending on the state you live in.

Adoption is often a cause for a name change. In 2018, there were over 135,000 adoptions in the United States. The cost of legally changing your name after adoption typically ranges from $200-$500, depending on the state you live in.

Gender transition is another reason why someone might choose to legally change their name. The cost of legally changing your name after gender transition typically ranges from $200-$500, depending on the state you live in.

Conclusion

Legally changing your name is a complex process that can take several months to complete. The cost of legally changing your name varies depending on the state you live in and the type of name change you are seeking. On average, the cost of legally changing your name is about $435, including attorney’s fees, court filing fees, and other related expenses. Common reasons for legally changing your name include marriage, divorce, adoption, and gender transition.