It is normal not to like your name and want to change to a new name. Further, you can get a court-ordered name change record to validate your name change legally. But how to get a court-ordered name change? Let us learn in detail.
There is nothing unusual about changing your name. Moreover, you can get a court-ordered name change as well. A legal name change or court-ordered name change is taken care of by the state government of each state’s court system. Further, the procedure takes around two months usually, and the duration can exceed in exceptional cases. What is a court ordered name change? What is the process for a court-ordered name change, and is it mandatory to file for a court-ordered name change? We will learn in detail.
What is a Court-Ordered Name Change?
A court-ordered name change is a process of changing an individual’s existing name into a new name they wish to be known as by going through the required legal formalities.
Moreover, the process of court-ordered name change includes providing petitions for changing the existing name into a new name. It also consists of filing an affidavit signed and attested by the Judicial magistrate or notary.
However, a court-ordered name change can also be done online. All you need to do is to apply for the name change petition in the court and complete the online application form.
What Is the Procedure for a Court-Ordered Name Change?
There are various steps you can follow for the court-ordered name change procedure. They are as follows:
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File a Petition in the Court Claiming That Your Existing Name Is Not Valid
As a first step of the court-ordered name change procedure is to file a petition in the court claiming that your existing name is not valid. Further, you would like to be known in the future in the new name. Submit documents in support of your statement in court.
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Once You Fill Out the Form, Take Them to the Court Clerk and File Them by Paying the Particular Fee of the State You Belong To
After filling out the form for the court-ordered name change procedure, take the form to the court clerk and further file them along with the fee the court in your area has kept because it is the court clerk who will take forward your petition to the true justice of the court. Moreover, for every such petition, there is a fixed fee that differs from state to state.
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Next, the Judge or the Magistrate Will Review the Forms and Supportive Documents You Submit
As a next step, the Judge or the court’s magistrate will review the court-ordered name change form and additional supportive documents you have submitted. It is then they will decide to validate your new name. Moreover, grant you the unique name you have chosen for yourself.
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Some States Prefer the Individual to Post a Formal Ad by Your New Name in the Local Newspaper
Once the court grants you the validity of your new name, some states prefer the applicant to provide a formal advertisement in the local newspaper in your new name. This will give your character the much-needed validity and credibility. After completing the court-ordered name change process, you can post an ad in your local newspaper with your new name granted.
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Finally, Use Your New Name in All the Documents and Replace the Existing Name With the New One
Lastly, after the court has granted you the new name, use the new name in all the latest documents and replace the existing name with the new one. This will make everyone know your changed name rather than the existing name.
Thus, these are the step-by-step procedure for getting a court-ordered name change.
Is It Mandatory to File for the Court-Ordered Name Change Procedure?
Now, if you think about changing your name is something very casual, and everybody has the right to be known as they wish. Further, filing for a court-ordered name change procedure is not mandatory.
You can choose the name you want to know yourself as and change the word on social media. However, suppose you’re going to apply for jobs or any certificate in the state, central government, or financial agencies.
In that case, you will need to legally validate your new name by applying for the court-ordered name change. This is because chances of identity theft, credit fraud, etc., are rising almost daily. Further, validating your new name is essential for security reasons and to avoid future infringements.
Moreover, you will need to undergo the court-ordered name change procedure to approve certain government documents like birth certificates, passports, and Aadhar forms.
Most of all, every state has particular government and judicial rules that should be followed by the individual who belongs to the specific city. So, if you are planning to change your name, do a background check of the state government and judicial rules and regulations of your state and go ahead with the procedure.
Lastly, consult a legal advisor and understand the legal formalities you must go through for the court-ordered name change process. This will help you deal with the entire process with ease.
FAQ’s:
How do I get a court order to change my name in India?
To change your name legally in India, you need to follow a series of steps, including filing a petition for a Change of Name in the district court, preparing an affidavit, publishing an advertisement in a newspaper, and submitting the necessary documents to the appropriate authorities.
What is the procedure to change the name officially in India?
The procedure involves preparing an affidavit, publishing an advertisement in a newspaper, and submitting the necessary documents to the appropriate authorities.
What evidence do I need to change my name in India?
You need to provide an affidavit, a newspaper advertisement, and other required documents such as identity proofs and witness details.
What is the rule for changing the name?
Indian law allows citizens to change their names, subject to certain conditions and procedures.
How much does it cost to legally change your name in India?
The cost depends on the state and the type of gazette publication you choose. It can range from Rs. 700 to Rs. 900.
Is affidavit enough for name change?
An affidavit is required for the name change process, but additional documents may also be needed depending on the state and specific circumstances.
What is the difference between name correction and name change?
Name correction refers to the process of updating or fixing errors in your name, while name change refers to the process of legally altering your name.
How long does it take to legally change your name in India?
The process can take anywhere from 15 days to 50 days from the date of application.
Is name change possible in Aadhaar?
Yes, you can change your name in your Aadhaar card by following the standard name change procedure.
Which affidavit is required for name correction?
You need to prepare a name change affidavit, which should be attested by a Notary Public, Judicial Magistrate, or an Oaths Commissioner.
Why is affidavit required for name change?
The affidavit is required to declare your intention to change your name and provide reasons for the change.
Is affidavit enough for name change in India?
An affidavit is a crucial part of the name change process, but additional documents may also be needed depending on the state and specific circumstances.
Is Gazette enough for name change in Aadhaar?
Yes, publishing a name change advertisement in the Gazette of India is required for the name change process.
How much does an affidavit for name correction cost?
The cost of an affidavit for name correction depends on the type of affidavit and the state where you are applying for the name change. It can range from Rs. 100 to Rs. 500 or more.
Conclusion
Overall, changing your name to a new one and beginning a fresh start in life is normal. Moreover, it is easy for you to change your existing character to a new one. Change your new name and add it to your social media handles.
Then it’s done! But what about the legal consequences? What if someone misuses your name? Yes, all these questions and answers to these should be kept in mind before you finally decide about the same.
However, if you have a court-ordered name change document, then your name will be legally validated by the court, and no one can misuse the same. Moreover, the procedure for a court-order name change is pretty simple.
All you need to do is file for the petition, submit the supportive documents, pay the fixed fee per the state you belong to, and ultimately know the legal rules and regulations of your condition.
Most importantly, consult a legal firm like Vakilsearch and get to know the legal side of the name-changing procedure, and proceed accordingly.
Lastly, it is not mandatory to change your name, but if you want a secure and legally valid name for yourself, then ensure to apply for the court-ordered name change procedure, and rest assured! So, if you want to change your name and validate the same then get the court order name change certificate for the court in your state.
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