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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
    Posts
    10

    Default How Do I Change my Name Through Common Usage in Wisconsin

    Hello everyone. I'd like to change my last name, legal reason being "desire." If it matters, I've never been convicted of any crime, not even speeding tickets, and my parents aren't divorced. I just don't like my current last name. Oh yeah, and I was born in California if that helps.

    I've done some research and have read about the two methods of changing one's name in the US at SoYouWanna.com: Court Order and Common Usage.

    I want to do this through Common Usage and am fully prepared to contact a whole slew of entities to make this happen, but I have some pressing questions.

    If any checks are written to me in my old name, how will I be able to deposit them? Will photo ID work?
    I am currently in college, will this ruin my financial aid or loans? What is the easiest way to transition these over?
    Being in college, I'm still under my parent's insurance. What is the best way to deal with this?


    Can it really be as simple as contacting:
    • Bank
    • IRS
    • Social Security
    • College
    • Loan owner
    • Post Office
    • Insurance
    • and other companies?



    If it were only the year 1700, this would be so easy, wouldn't it?

    Also, how easy will it be for the public to discover my old name? I'd like evidence of my previous name as erased as possible, because it carries embarrassment and pain for me.

    Thanks in advance, everyone. This issue is complex and I really appreciate your clarity.

  2. #2
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    Sep 2005
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    Default Re: How Do I Change my Name Through Common Usage in Wisconsin

    If you try to change your name without going through the courts, you can potentially run into problems with ID or other materials under your old name, or resistance by certain private or public entities to accept or issue ID, checks, or other materials under your new name.

    Why not simply undergo a legal name change?

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
    Posts
    10

    Default Re: How Do I Change my Name Through Common Usage in Wisconsin

    Because of the hassle.

    Have you changed your name before? Don't I have to appear before a judge and deal with some head-band-into-the-wall procedures? What does a formal process entail?

    Also, I would appreciate answers to my other questions:

    If any checks are written to me in my old name, how will I be able to deposit them? Will photo ID work?
    I am currently in college, will this ruin my financial aid or loans? What is the easiest way to transition these over?
    Being in college, I'm still under my parent's insurance. What is the best way to deal with this?


    Thanks.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Location
    Behind a Desk
    Posts
    98,846

    Default Re: How Do I Change my Name Through Common Usage in Wisconsin

    Talk to your bank about their procedures. Talk to your college and its financial aid office about their procedures. Talk to your parents' insurance company about its procedures. Etc. That's what you have to do when you choose to do things the hard way, in lieu of making a trip to the courthouse.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
    Posts
    10

    Default Re: How Do I Change my Name Through Common Usage in Wisconsin

    Thanks. The answers to my questions seem so obvious now.


    Curious, wouldn't I still have to go to these organizations after I went to court? Does a court change change the procedure with other organizations?

    Thanks again.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    28,906

    Default Re: How Do I Change my Name Through Common Usage in Wisconsin

    If you go to court, you can present to them a copy (they may want a certified or "exemplified" copy) of the court order, along with any other ID they require, to establish the name change. They should have policies in effect for updating their records.

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