To legally change your name in Ohio, you must follow the steps outlined by Ohio law. The steps include:
- File a Petition for Name Change in the Probate Court of the county where you currently reside. The petition must include your current name, the name you wish to be known by, your address, and a statement that the name change is not for any fraudulent purpose.
- Obtain a certified copy of your birth certificate.
- Obtain a certified copy of your criminal background check from the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation.
- Publish a notice of your name change in a newspaper of general circulation in the county where you reside. The notice must run for three consecutive weeks.
- Attend a hearing in front of a probate judge. At the hearing, you must provide a valid reason for the name change (such as marriage or divorce, religious or cultural reason, or other legitimate reason), show proof of your identity, and provide evidence that you have complied with all of the necessary steps.
- If the judge approves your petition, you will receive a certificate of name change. You must then use this certificate to change your name on your driver's license, social security card, and other important documents.
It is important to note that there may be limitations or exceptions to changing your name in Ohio if you are a convicted felon or if you owe child support. In these cases, it may be necessary to seek further legal advice or assistance. Additionally, if you have any outstanding legal issues or owe any fees or fines, you may be required to resolve those issues before your name change can be approved.
Overall, it is recommended that you seek the advice of a licensed attorney to guide you through the process of legally changing your name in Ohio. While this information is intended to provide general guidance, there may be unique circumstances that require individualized legal advice to ensure that your name change is processed as smoothly and efficiently as possible.
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