Changing Your Identity in Georgia
At VanLanduyt Law, we understand that life can create a variety of situations that may require a name change. Our firm is well versed in the processes and procedures to change the name of an adult or minor child in Georgia. We can also navigate name changes for those who are transgender, even guiding those who desire to change the gender marker on their birth certificate. Georgia does allow such a path and we can help.
Adult Name Changes
The majority of adult name changes are due to marriage or divorce and in these cases the process to change your name relatively simple. If you did not change your name upon marriage, or you did not have your named changed back to your maiden name in the divorce decree, our attorneys can guide you through the process.
Adult name changes for other situations can be more complicated. There are a range of reasons why an adult may want to change their name including:
Not having a relationship with their family
Not liking their name
Wanting to change the way their name is spelled
Has been using a name that is different than what is on their birth certificate
Minor Name Changes
Changing a child’s name in Georgia can be a complicated process and the reasons for changing a name can be similar to the reasons an adult desires a name change. Adoption of a child is the most common reason for changing a child’s name.
A petition to change the name of a minor child requires the written consent of both parents if they are living and have not abandoned the child, or the written consent of the child’s guardian if both parents are deceased or have abandoned the child. However, written consent of a parent shall not be required if the parent has not contributed to the support of the child for a continuous period of five years or more immediately preceding the filing of the petition.
Gender Marker Changes
Adults wanting to change their gender marker in Georgia need to file a petition to amend their birth certificate with the superior court in the county where they reside. Upon receipt of a certified copy of a court order indicating the sex of an individual born in the state of Georgia has been changed by surgical procedure, the birth certificate can be changed. The petition must include a verification that all of the information in the petition is accurate. If you are undergoing hormone therapy but have not undergone surgery, you may still be able to change your gender marker.
We Can Help
If you are pursuing a name change or gender marker change, the family law attorneys at VanLanduyt Law are here to guide you through the process and make it as simple as possible.
