Can anyone recommend a lawyer that does name changes in Essex county for a reasonable price? I'm honestly not sure what a reasonable price is, but I looked at the forms and I don't think I can make it through the legalese alone.

This is for myself and husband. I was born outside the US and husband was born in a different state. Does he change his name 1st and then get a new marriage certificate for me to then change my name? Or can we do both of us at once?

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[deleted] t1_j07o81i wrote on December 14, 2022 at 5:44 PM

#929,846

Why do you think you need a lawyer for something so basic?

https://www.njcourts.gov/self-help/name-change

suspiciousd1rt t1_j088ync wrote on December 14, 2022 at 7:56 PM

#930,875

So I just did a name change for marriage (maiden name to married name) and it was fairly easy. I did the social security office first, then dmv license, then dmv vehicle. Be aware that it takes time in between because neither the SS office nor the dmv will give you printed out cards, you will need to wait for the mail to come in. So for me the entire process took about a month.

I'm not sure about your husband, but where he was born shouldn't matter. It looks like the first thing you should do is reach out to your local town/county clerk's office to see if the marriage certificate should change first. I looked up hyphened names and this was what was suggested:

>If you are unsure, check with your county cleck offices (where you’ll apply for a marriage license) to see what last name change options are accepted in your state. Every state is different and the marriage name change options are constantly changing.

>When you’re applying for your marriage license, tell the county clerk that you would like to hyphenate your last name. This way, your marriage license will be filled out properly if it asks for your desired post-marriage last name.

>Once your wedding is complete, you will receive your marriage certificate which documents that you are your spouse are married.

>Your marriage certificate serves as your legal name change document which you will use throughout your entire name change after marriage process.

Outrageous_Highlight OP t1_j08i45r wrote on December 14, 2022 at 8:52 PM

#931,319

Replying to [deleted] (#929,846)

I can admit maybe I am a little slow? I have read through that, if I thought I could manage it alone I would not be here asking how to find a lawyer. Basic for you is not so basic for me.

Outrageous_Highlight OP t1_j08ii0r wrote on December 14, 2022 at 8:54 PM

#931,329

Replying to suspiciousd1rt (#930,875)

Thank you. Though I don't think this would apply, we have already been married several years and he would like to change his name now. Good to know state of birth is irrelevant tho

NightsBane155 t1_j08ni1b wrote on December 14, 2022 at 9:26 PM

#931,578

Replying to [deleted] (#929,846)

The first part of the document literally says that it's a good idea to get a lawyer. Why are you being so rude?

[deleted] t1_j08oo6r wrote on December 14, 2022 at 9:33 PM

#931,632

Replying to NightsBane155 (#931,578)

Court website suggest lawyer. Riveting.

It’s a simple name change not a class action lawsuit.

suspiciousd1rt t1_j08pnav wrote on December 14, 2022 at 9:40 PM

#931,671

Replying to Outrageous_Highlight (#931,329)

ok then it sounds like he will need to go through the name change route. How to Ask the Court to Change Your Name - Adult njcourts.gov Here's a pdf i found that may be able to give you more information about it

NightsBane155 t1_j0936vx wrote on December 14, 2022 at 11:12 PM

#932,264

Replying to [deleted] (#931,632)

Why are you so against a lawyer? What, just because it isn't a major case? Is that all that lawyers are good for?

There are many services which can provide lawyers for free or cheap for this sort of ordeal, the website even mentions as such, these are lawyers who went to law school to help the public sector, this is their life's passion. Are you suggesting we shouldn't use them and their services? What for? Because of your arrogance?

[deleted] t1_j094co8 wrote on December 14, 2022 at 11:20 PM

#932,314

Replying to NightsBane155 (#932,264)

[removed]

NightsBane155 t1_j0968y6 wrote on December 14, 2022 at 11:33 PM

#932,398

Replying to [deleted] (#932,314)

Afraid you've been caught with your pants down?

Go ahead, entertain me with a proper response, I dearly wish to see your further input on the lawyer matter.

No-Horse987 t1_j09bxkq wrote on December 15, 2022 at 12:15 AM

#932,645

I did mine myself. I didn't use a lawyer since the process was straightforward. You have to pay for the application / filing fee at the County Clerk's office; then putting the first notice (public) in the newspaper in your area that you are changing your name (this step is required before going to court - the filing papers from the court you will receive will tell you what newspaper to put the ad in.) Once you do that and send it to the court, you will get your court date. When you go to court, you will be in front of a judge where you will explain the reason why the name change. After the verdict is given, you will once again put another public notice in the newspaper saying that the new or revised name will be in effect according to the date of the court's judgement. Once that requirement is done, you will received the notarized paperwork with the court seal making it an official document. You will also have to file a copy to the Bureau of Taxation in Trenton within 30 days. I forgot how much the filing fee was, but the ads cost close to 60.00 apiece for a 1"x1" sized ad. Unless you have circumstances that you may need a lawyer, the process is easy. My process took about a month in total. I had to change to my full name, (because my SS card and my Passport is different from my DL and Birth Certificate) so all of my documents match up without issue due to my work.

No-Horse987 t1_j09cpun wrote on December 15, 2022 at 12:21 AM

#932,677

Replying to NightsBane155 (#932,264)

All the lawyer will do is all of the legwork for you. That is the cost for that service. And to help with out any extraneous circumstances in your case. The process may be a little easier and quicker, since a lawyer has faster access to the courts.