LEGAL NAME CHANGE FLORIDA

You may have many reasons for wanting to change your name. Maybe you want to honor a loved one. Maybe you have rethought your decision on your name after a proceeding for divorce or adoption. Or maybe you simply do not like your name. Whatever the reason, subject to narrow legal exceptions, Family Diplomacy will guide you through the process of legally changing your name.

ELIGIBILITY FOR NAME CHANGE

The following individuals may seek a change of name: (i) an adult; (ii) an adult on behalf of a minor child; and (iii) an adult on behalf of a family. Each adult seeking a name change must submit his or her fingerprints for a state and national criminal history records check. Once a petition for change of name is filed, the request will often be granted unless a Court finds that (i) the petitioner has ulterior or illegal motives in seeking the name change, (ii) the petitioner’s civil rights are suspended, or (iii) granting the name change will invade the property rights (e.g., intellectual property rights) of others.

SWIFT AND COST EFFECTIVE SOLUTION FOR A NAME CHANGE

At Family Diplomacy, we will work with you to change your legal name as swiftly and cost-effectively as possible. We understand that your time is valuable, and you do not want to be bogged down in the paperwork associated with a name change. Further, we understand that you do not have unlimited funds to devote to your name change. Accordingly, we will develop a specifically tailored plan to fit your name change needs.

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Birth Certificate Amendments and Corrections: When You May Need a Legal Name Change in Florida

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Summary

  • A mismatch between your birth certificate and other legal documents can create problems when renewing a Florida driver’s license or government-issued identification card.
  • Some birth certificate issues cannot be fixed with existing paperwork alone.
  • In some cases, a legal name change may be needed before a birth certificate can be corrected.
  • Regardless of where you were born, Family Diplomacy helps Florida residents seek legal name changes so they can address birth certificate amendments and corrections.

A Family Story About Birth Certificate Surprises

Though I am a proud Floridian, my great aunt and grandfather came over from Sweden with my great grandparents as children. For 50 years, they never knew that the last name on their birth certificates was spelled differently from the name their parents had used their entire lives. Like many immigrant families, my great grandparents changed the spelling to make the name look and sound more American.

This was back in the days when documents were not so closely scrutinized. We laughed when the old certificates were finally found because my great aunt had been celebrating her birthday on the wrong date for 50 years and declared she was not going to change now. What would be the point?

Why Birth Certificate Corrections Matter More Today

These days, if you have a birth certificate that is not an exact match with all your other documents, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles will likely inform you that your license cannot be renewed. You may be unable to correct the issue by just submitting paperwork you already have to Vital Statistics. In fact, you may need a legal name change to correct your birth certificate so that it matches your other documents.

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Legal Name Change in Florida for Professionals: Process, Timeline, and What to Update

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A legal name change in Florida can feel complicated when your professional reputation, licenses, publications, and business records are tied to your current name. If you are a physician, lawyer, executive, or business owner, your name is more than a personal identifier. It is also part of your professional brand.

Fortunately, Florida law provides a clear process that allows adults to change their name for legitimate reasons. With proper planning, professionals can complete a legal name change while keeping their credentials, licensing records, and professional identity aligned.

Quick Answer

In Florida, a legal name change generally requires filing a petition in the circuit court where you live, completing a background check through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the FBI, attending a judicial hearing and providing testimony, and obtaining a final judgment from a judge. Once a client returns the completed name change questionnaire that we provide, and assuming the required background check is completed promptly, the process typically takes about six to eight weeks.

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We Can Help You Get A Legal Name Change in Florida

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My name is Jennifer, and I’m a Collaborative Family Law Paralegal and Client Care Specialist at Family Diplomacy. I’ve been working closely with residents of Florida to assist them with legal name changes since 2013. Not all residents of Florida whom we have helped actually live in Florida, but they have established residency here. We have worked with clients deployed in the military, people who work or go to school overseas, and people who live some of the year in different parts of the country. We are also able to help clients all over Florida through Zoom; in fact, we have not been required to attend a name change final hearing in person since before the Covid lockdown in March 2020.

Common Reasons For Changing Your Legal Name in Florida

Florida is a great state to change your name.. Counties have different requirements, but we have found the requirements to be relatively simple, for the most part.

I learned early on that people change their names for many reasons. Some people  don’t like their first or last name, or prefer a different name. Some have been called a different name most of their lives and decide to make it official. I’ve also learned that you actually don’t need a reason to change your name at all. You can change it simply because you want to.

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How to Legally Change Your Name in Florida: A Step-by-Step Guide

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Are you considering changing your name in Florida? Whether it’s for personal, professional, or other reasons, the process can seem daunting. However, with a clear understanding of the steps involved and the assistance of an experienced attorney, you can navigate this legal procedure smoothly. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you through the process.

Step 1: Meet the Residency Requirement

First and foremost, you must be a resident of Florida. The courts will require proof of your residency, such as a driver’s license, state ID, or utility bill.  Even if you were born outside of Florida, the Courts will grant current residents a legal name change.

Step 2: Fill Out A Name Change Worksheet

To initiate the name change process, it helps to complete a name change worksheet.  We can provide you with a copy of this form, which includes a checklist in plain English of all the information that you will need to gather for the petition for a legal name change. Among other things, you’ll need to provide your current name, the name you wish to adopt, and the reason for the change. Be honest and detailed, as the court will review your reasons thoroughly.  If you have trouble filling out the form, we can help you.

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LGBTQ+ Friendly Family Law Firm in Florida

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If you are a member of the LGBTQ+ community in Florida, you might have found yourself wondering about the best path forward when it comes to family law matters. We get it—navigating the legal landscape can be confusing and overwhelming, and now is not the time for a lawyer to judge you or your family. But fear not! At Family Diplomacy, we’ve got your back. Our mission is to provide you with an open, friendly, and supportive environment as we work together to tailor LGBTQ+ Family Law solutions that perfectly suit your unique needs.  And we help families throughout the State of Florida.

Crafting Harmony through Collaborative Family Law

Picture this: you’ve got personal family matters to resolve, but you’re dreading the thought of entering a public adversarial court system. Guess what? You don’t have to go that route. Family Diplomacy recommends a much more peaceful alternative for Florida and Tampa Bay LGBTQ+ spouses and partners: Collaborative Family Law.

Here’s the scoop: in this process, attorneys are on board solely to help you reach private resolutions. We’re actually barred from fighting before a judge. Plus, there’s a facilitator—usually a trained mental health professional—who’s there to keep everyone focused on what’s best for the family, including any children involved. This person ensures that communication remains respectful and productive. And since financial matters can be complex, especially for LGBTQ+ relationships, a financial professional might step in to guide you through the intricacies of assets and debts.

Meet the Collaborative Guru: Adam B. Cordover

LCordover Lawyer Review - Family Diplomacy | A Collaborative Law Firmet us introduce you to an intellectual leader in collaborative practice—Adam B. Cordover. He’s not just any lawyer; he’s an internationally-recognized leader and trainer in collaborative practice. He’s even presented on the use of collaborative practice for LGBTQ+ family law matters to professional and civic groups around the U.S., Canada, France, and Israel, and across Florida including in Tampa, Sarasota, and Orlando, Jacksonville, Boca Raton, and beyond. Adam is also co-author of an American Bar Association book on collaborative family law, a member of the Board of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals, and recipient of the inaugural Visionary Award from the Florida Academy of Collaborative Professionals. You’re in good hands!

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Client Review: Name Change for Transgender Child

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We feel so fortunate when our clients take the time to let others know about the services we offer.  A client recently left a review on Family Diplomacy’s St. Petersburg Google Review Page to discuss how we helped his family achieve a legal name change for his transgender child.

As I am required to state by the Florida Bar, please note that we cannot guarantee the same or similar results in your matter, but we welcome you to contact us to learn more.

Below is the text of the review:

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Gender Non-Conforming Legal Name Change

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If you are gender non-conforming and living in Florida, you may not know where to turn to change your legal name.  At Family Diplomacy, we pride ourselves in offering a welcoming environment.  From the moment you contact us, we will listen to and address your concerns, determine your eligibility for a name change, and stand by your side throughout the legal process.

We are here for you.

Gender Non-Conforming Definitions

For those reading this post who may not be familiar with this term, the Human Rights Campaign defines gender non-conforming as “[a] broad term referring to people who do not behave in a way that conforms to the traditional expectations of their gender, or whose gender expression does not fit neatly into a category. While many also identify as transgender, not all gender non-conforming people do.”

PFLAG, which describes itself as “the first and largest organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people, their parents and families, and allies,” defines gender non-conforming as follows:

A term for those who do not follow gender stereotypes. Often an umbrella for nonbinary genders (see TGNC). Though fairly uncommon, some people view the term as derrogatory, so they may use other terms including gender expansive, differently gendered, gender creative, gender variant, genderqueer, nonbinary, agender, genderfluid, gender neutral, bigender, androgynous, or gender diverse. PFLAG National uses the term gender expansive. It is important to respect and use the terms people use for themselves, regardless of any prior associations or ideas about those terms.

For purposes of this article, we use the term gender non-conforming.  However, if you prefer another term, please let us know when you contact us and we will respect your preference.

Eligibility for Florida Gender Non-Conforming Name Change

Regardless of where you were born, if you live in the Sunshine State, Florida courts have jurisdiction to change your legal name.  You may petition for a name change if you are an adult, and a parent may petition on your behalf if you are a child.  Once your petition for change of name is filed, the request will often be granted unless a Court finds that (i) you have improper or illegal motives in seeking the name change, (ii) your civil rights are suspended (for example, by being convicted of a felony), or (iii) granting you a name change will invade the property rights (e.g., intellectual property rights) of others.

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Video: SNL Name Change

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This past Saturday, Saturday Night Live returned to the airwaves for its 46th Season.  As a family law lawyer who has helped countless people throughout Florida change their legal names, I was especially intrigued and delighted by the following sketch:

 

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Changing My Transgender Child’s Legal Name

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Being a supportive parent can oftentimes be challenging, but you and your transgender child may have come to the conclusion that it is time for a legal name change.  Is it possible to change a transgender child’s name to match his or her identity?

So long as both legal parents are in agreement, in most circumstances you can change your minor child’s legal name.

Petition for Change of Legal Name

In Florida, legal name changes are accomplished through the court system.  Accordingly, you will need to petition a court in the county in which you live for your child’s name change.  The petition must include information such as:

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Tiger King Changed His Name…So Can You!

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Joseph Maldonado-Passage has been known by many names.  Tiger King.  Joe Exotic.  Joseph Schreibvogel.  But the legal name, according to reports, of this convicted felon whose story has become a Netflix obsession is Joseph Maldonado-Passage.

The Tiger King’s surname is in honor of a late husband and a current husband.  Reports are not clear whether his name was legally changed via marriage or through a court process.  Regardless, if you are a Florida resident, chances are that you are eligible for a name change.

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