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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Oct 2012
    Posts
    4

    Default How to Begin a Common Law Name Change

    My question involves civil rights in the State of: FL

    Hi, I'm looking for some information about common law name changes.

    As an example, my name is "John James Doe-Smith". I used to use "John Smith" (for shorthand), even as my signature. Now that I'm older, I prefer "John Jason Doe" instead (different middle name, dropped second last name), with the signature of "John Doe".

    I feel that aspects like SSI, ID, insurance, and work would force me to change my name via court system. But doesn't common law allow for usage name changes?

    Would it be okay to just start using the name I chose from now on? How could I help lessen the repercussions? Is it possible to adapt my ID's to those names without court procedures (even if it takes long) after a certain time period of using the name?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Location
    Somewhere near Canada
    Posts
    35,894

    Default Re: How to Begin a Common Law Name Change

    You can use the name, yes. But you'll need a court order to change your ID, SSI etc.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Oct 2012
    Posts
    4

    Default Re: How to Begin a Common Law Name Change

    Ah, alright. This question is a bit rhetorical, because I sense the answer is no... but, can I legally use and sign under my chosen name without any major issues coming up? Like with legal identification, insurance, and whatever? Or will legal areas just give me a hard time?

    Basically, can anything legal be done with it? I don't want to cause myself any major trouble, that's why I ask.

    If so, how would I be able to lessen the problems? Just by repeated use? Would clarifying my name change help?

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Location
    Somewhere near Canada
    Posts
    35,894

    Default Re: How to Begin a Common Law Name Change

    Why don't you simply go through the legal name change process?

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Oct 2012
    Posts
    4

    Default Re: How to Begin a Common Law Name Change

    I looked up the costs for a name change in FL, and they're too much for me. I can't afford to loosely spend money, but then I found out about the usage method. So I thought it could help out. But... I don't know enough law to determine whether it'll be safe to use it. I only know that it's under our rights, but not where it can be used. I'm not happy with my current name, and also prefer the name I've chosen. But I don't know how to change it without blowing a hole into my income.

    For reference: Would the name change case for weddings be the same as my own case? I don't know much about weddings either, but it doesn't seem like they are strict legal name changes, I think I read somewhere that wedding name changes are under common law (or that it can be, I don't know what it was), since the partners can choose whether to change their last name or not. It's just supported by a different legal document. Yet somehow, it's legal and official.

    So is there something that would help like that?

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jan 2006
    Posts
    38,867

    Default Re: How to Begin a Common Law Name Change

    You can call yourself anything you want to as long as it isn't for a fraudulent use. You cannot obtain legal documents (driver's license, state ID, passport, Social Security card) under the assumed name though unless you have your name changed through the courts. That means, if you want to go by John Doe, you can. If somebody asks for ID it obviously will not match. If you have something notarized, the notary will not witness your pseudonym since you do not have any ID to prove your identity.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Oct 2012
    Posts
    4

    Default Re: How to Begin a Common Law Name Change

    Thanks jk. Your reply has answered all of my questions (except the marriage-related ones directly, but I still got the gist). I suppose that means I'll have to stick to my name until I get the opportunity to change it legally.

    Thank you both for your time.

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