Name change

[Marco365]

Hi,
My father changed my middle and last name when I was 12 years old. However he didn't change the name on my SC card, passport or birth certificate, which means I'm still using the old name. Know than I'm 19 years old and I'm going to college soon, I want to change my first name too because it's hard to pronounce. So when I file the name change petition, what should I put for the current name?The one on my ID or the the one on my court order?
Also, is the process going to be more difficult? since this is the second time I request a name change.
Finally,should I appear in front of a judge?
I live in NYC

 

[quincy]

Hi,
My father changed my middle and last name when I was 12 years old. However he didn't change the name on my SC card, passport or birth certificate, which means I'm still using the old name. Know than I'm 19 years old and I'm going to college soon, I want to change my first name too because it's hard to pronounce. So when I file the name change petition, what should I put for the current name?The one on my ID or the the one on my court order?
Also, is the process going to be more difficult? since this is the second time I request a name change.
Finally,should I appear in front of a judge?
I live in NYC

You will want to use the name you have been using since you were 12. That is the name that appears on the court order and it became your legal name. The order from the court is what you need to change all other legal documents (social security number, drivers license, etc).

But you can verify, and ask any additional questions you might have about the application, by contacting the court.

https://nycourts.gov/courthelp/NameChange/basics.shtml

Good luck.

 

[LdiJ]

Hi,
My father changed my middle and last name when I was 12 years old. However he didn't change the name on my SC card, passport or birth certificate, which means I'm still using the old name. Know than I'm 19 years old and I'm going to college soon, I want to change my first name too because it's hard to pronounce. So when I file the name change petition, what should I put for the current name?The one on my ID or the the one on my court order?
Also, is the process going to be more difficult? since this is the second time I request a name change.
Finally,should I appear in front of a judge?
I live in NYC

Well, before you do anything, you need to take the court order that you currently have, and officially change your Social Security card, passport and driver's license. Otherwise its going to be more complicated if you make another name change.