Name Changes

What's In Your Name?

Most individuals have the right to use and have recorded any name or combination of names they choose. Married women have the right to use their maiden names, a combination of their maiden name and their husband's name, or a name unrelated to either. Parents have the right to give their children a surname that may be that of either parent, a combination of both, or even one that is different from that of either parent.

If you want your name changed, you have three options. Your personal situation and finances will help you decide which method is most appropriate.

By "Common Law"

There is a common law procedure for changing your name. In order to utilize this process you should notify all agencies and institutions in writing that your name is changed. This includes Social Security, university registration, driver's license and car registration, bank accounts, credit cards, leases, employment records, etc. You may have to pay a fee for some of these changes. You also may run into a hassle with some places who won't process the change without court papers, even though you are not legally required to go through that process. If this happens, you may appeal the decision of the administrative agent within that agency, or you may change your name in court as described below. Again, your life situation should determine which option you pursue.

By Divorce Decree

The court has authority to grant an order, upon request, allowing a woman or man to resume her or his former name as part of the divorce process.

By Court Action

Changing one's name through ASUO Legal Services is a simple process which takes approximately six weeks. This may take longer and depends on the office workload, schedule, and the attorney's schedule. One may use almost any name one wishes; however, many people desire to take a new legal name.

The first visit to the office consists of filling out an intake form so that we may prepare the Petition for Change of Name. The Petition will ask the court for a change of name. At that time, you will pay the fees required as follows: court filing fee, $99; document preparation fee, $30; and certified copy of the decree,$5.00 + $.25 per page, for an total of $134.25.

Please make your check payable to "Ilona E. Koleszar, trust account." When the Petition has been prepared we will have you come back to the office to sign the Petition before a notary public. You will need to bring two pieces of ID with you when you come in for your appointment.

The attorney will then go to court and file the Petition. At that time she will also post a notice at the courthouse making your Petition for Change of Name public in accordance with the law. No sooner than fourteen (14) days after the posting of the notice of filing the Petition, the attorney will return to court. The second public posting of your name change will be done at that time stating that your name has actually been changed. Again, no sooner than fourteen (14) days after that posting, the attorney will go back to court for a third time and obtain a certified copy of the judgment from the court, and the process will be complete. We usually have you come into the office to pick it up, so it doesn't get lost in the mail. With a certified copy of the judgment in hand you now have a new legal name. You can take that certified copy with you to various agencies to change your name.

This information is not intended to provide legal advice. Any incidental fee-paying University of Oregon student who has questions about name changes may call ASUO Legal Services at 346-4273 to arrange an appointment.

ASUO Legal Services' attorneys are licensed to practice in the State of Oregon. Information disseminated in this website does not constitute legal advice and does not create an attorney/client relationship. This page is for information purposes only. For legal advice, contact an attorney licensed in your state. You should not make legal hiring decisions based upon brochures, advertising or other promotional materials.