Changing your name... anyone done it or have (legal) advice?

GeekDrew

Diamond Member
Jun 7, 2000
9,099
19
81
I very much dislike my middle and last names. I've been thinking about changing them for quite some time now, and I decided on my "new name" years a couple of years ago.

Does anyone have experience with the legal part of changing one's name -- in any state, but Ohio, in particular?

According to the Ohio revised code, a person must file an application for name change with the county government (with associated fees), publish a notice of public hearing in a general circulation newspaper at least 30 days before the date of hearing, and then must personally attend the hearing, where the Judge rules on whether your name change is approved or not.

My primary question is... does anyone here think that I need to retain legal counsel, or will I be OK with just going through the motions without legal counsel? :-\ I could find a lawyer, I suppose, but I'd rather not incur the cost if it is unnecessary.
 

FoBoT

No Lifer
Apr 30, 2001
63,084
15
81
fobot.com
i don't think you need a lawyer, it is very straight forward. unless you have a trust or own a corporation or something gigantic like that

 

JS80

Lifer
Oct 24, 2005
26,271
7
81
is it because stemen sounds and/or looks like semen? what's your middle name?
 

Nutdotnet

Diamond Member
Dec 5, 2000
7,721
3
81
No lawyer necessary.

I've done it myself. It's an easy process....just takes time and $$.
 

Quasmo

Diamond Member
Jul 7, 2004
9,630
1
76
I'm gonna change my last name to Poop and run for Senate!

Think Environment, Vote Poop.

Senator Poop
 

GeekDrew

Diamond Member
Jun 7, 2000
9,099
19
81
Originally posted by: kmr1212
is it because you were made fun of?

I suppose that does come into play, though that's not my primary motivation for the name change.

Originally posted by: FoBoT
i don't think you need a lawyer, it is very straight forward. unless you have a trust or own a corporation or something gigantic like that

I don't own a company or have my own trust, though I am part of a family trust.

Originally posted by: slayer202
more info please :)

What would you like to know?

Originally posted by: JS80
is it because stemen sounds and/or looks like semen? what's your middle name?

My profile currently reflects the name that I want to change *to*, Stemen. Yes, I'm sure that I'll be made fun of, etc., but I can handle it. I have personal reasons for wanting my name changed.

My middle name is currently Lewis. I want it to be Michael.

Originally posted by: Nutdotnet
No lawyer necessary.

I've done it myself. It's an easy process....just takes time and $$.

Great :)
 

dxkj

Lifer
Feb 17, 2001
11,772
2
81
Originally posted by: slayer202
what is your real last night? i know someone whose last name is semen btw

you edited your response, and it still says what is your real last night?


What is your full name Geek drew?
 
Last edited:

JonnyStarks

Golden Member
Nov 28, 2003
1,682
0
0
Considering that dumb kid changed his name to kentukyfriedcruelty.com im assuming its pretty easy to do it for a real name
 

tfinch2

Lifer
Feb 3, 2004
22,114
1
0
Originally posted by: GeekDrew
My profile currently reflects the name that I want to change *to*, Stemen. Yes, I'm sure that I'll be made fun of, etc., but I can handle it. I have personal reasons for wanting my name changed.

My middle name is currently Lewis. I want it to be Michael.

baaaaaaahahahahaha...

No seriously...baaaahahahahahhaha
 

GeekDrew

Diamond Member
Jun 7, 2000
9,099
19
81
Originally posted by: dxkj
What is your full name Geek drew?

It is currently Andrew Lewis Shriner.

Originally posted by: Corporate Thug
i think it can be done in a few hours at your city hall

... I just posted the legal process. It cannot be done in anything less than 31 days, in the State of Ohio.
 

GeekDrew

Diamond Member
Jun 7, 2000
9,099
19
81
Originally posted by: slayer202
whats wrong with your name now? and where did you get michael and stemen?

My entire name is from the Shriner family. I like the name Andrew, but I just don't like Lewis.

The Shriner family has pretty much disowned me, and there are few Shriners that I still speak with.

The Stemen name is of my maternal grandparents, who raised me and took care of me most of my childhood, because my parents weren't there. They also let me stay with them, and legally fought for me, when my parents (the Shriner family) kicked me out.

As for Michael, I just like the name, and I think that it goes well with my first name and chosen last name.
 

dxkj

Lifer
Feb 17, 2001
11,772
2
81
Originally posted by: GeekDrew
Originally posted by: dxkj
What is your full name Geek drew?

It is currently Andrew Lewis Shriner.

Originally posted by: Corporate Thug
i think it can be done in a few hours at your city hall

... I just posted the legal process. It cannot be done in anything less than 31 days, in the State of Ohio.

Err Andrew Michael Stemens is better?

to each his own :)
 

GeekDrew

Diamond Member
Jun 7, 2000
9,099
19
81
Originally posted by: dxkj
Originally posted by: GeekDrew
Originally posted by: dxkj
What is your full name Geek drew?

It is currently Andrew Lewis Shriner.

Originally posted by: Corporate Thug
i think it can be done in a few hours at your city hall

... I just posted the legal process. It cannot be done in anything less than 31 days, in the State of Ohio.

Err Andrew Michael Stemens is better?

to each his own :)

Yes, to each his own. And there last name is Stemen, not Stemens. ;)
 

Malak

Lifer
Dec 4, 2004
14,696
2
0
Originally posted by: dxkj
Err Andrew Michael Stemens is better?

to each his own :)

It's about the significance, not how well it rolls off the tongue.