This is the next article in my series on obtaining a name change in the state of Florida. My last article discussed the benefits of changing one’s name. It is important to understand that, in today’s world of search engines and social media, there are issues in one’s past which can follow them for many years. Obtaining a name change can help one to move on from a problematic history. It can also help alleviate confusion if one has gone by something other than their first name for their entire life. In this article I will discuss the benefits of retaining an attorney to assist you with the process. Doing so can help to make sure that the proper steps are followed. If you are in need of assistance then contact my office today to speak with a Melbourne lawyer.
While changing one’s name may seem like a simple process, there are still steps which must be followed. These steps include the proper completion of the Petition For Change of Name, requesting a hearing date, and attending the Court proceedings. If these steps are not followed properly then the process may be delayed. Worse, if a mistake is made then it is possible that the Court will reject the Petition. An attorney will know which steps to follow and will also make sure that the correct procedures are followed. This helps you to a) make sure that the process is completed in as short a time as possible and b) to improve the chances of the Petition being approved. In addition to aggravation, having counsel helps you to save time.
There is also a great benefit to having an attorney attend the Court hearing with you. The Judge will often have questions during the proceeding and many individuals are not comfortable speaking in Court. It is not uncommon for someone to be nervous and answer a question in a way that is not accurate or does not adequately address the Judge’s question. By having an experienced representative, you help to prevent an unforeseen question causing additional concerns on behalf of the Judge.
Another benefit of retaining an attorney is that counsel can assist you, at the completion of the case, with making sure that the proper entities are notified of the name change. It does little good to change your name if entities, such as Social Security, are not notified. By ensuring the proper “follow through,” you help to make sure that you achieve the desired results.
If you need assistance then contact my office today to speak with a Melbourne, Florida name change lawyer. My office will give your case the attention it deserves and we will make ourselves available to answer any questions you may have. We will timely file your Petition and will assist you throughout the process. Contact us online or by telephone today. We also serve the Brevard County cities of Titusville, Cocoa, Palm Bay, Grant, Valkaria, and Rockledge, as well as in the Indian River County areas of Fellsmere, Sebastian, Vero Beach, Indian River Shores, and Orchid.