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I'm thinking about changing my name

Bunk McNulty

Bunk McNulty

It is not easy to do simple things correctly
Supporting Member
Dec 11, 2012
9,283
31,764
Northampton, MA
#1
My handle here is Bunk McNulty, it is remotely possibe that there are persons on this board who do not get that reference, I apologize for being East Coast-centric and older than I should be. I'm thinking about changing my actual name to Metro Smith (long story). What do I have to do?
 
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#5
Bunk McNulty said:
My handle here is Bunk McNulty, it is remotely possibe that there are persons on this board who do not get that reference, I apologize for being East Coast-centric and older than I should be. I'm thinking about changing my actual name to Metro Smith (long story). What do I have to do?
Click to expand...

"My actual name" implies your out in the real world name. Are you wanting to legally change your name to "Metro Smith" or change your username here?
 
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#7
Bunk McNulty said:
My handle here is Bunk McNulty, it is remotely possibe that there are persons on this board who do not get that reference, I apologize for being East Coast-centric and older than I should be. I'm thinking about changing my actual name to Metro Smith (long story). What do I have to do?
Click to expand...

For what it's worth, I get the reference with your existing name. You've got at least one supporter for it.
 
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#13
two fingers said:
"My actual name" implies your out in the real world name. Are you wanting to legally change your name to "Metro Smith" or change your username here?
Click to expand...

Maybe I'm losing my grip. Is there anything ambiguous here?

My handle here is Bunk McNulty, it is remotely possible that there are persons on this board who do not get that reference, I apologize for being East Coast-centric and older than I should be. I'm thinking about changing my actual name to Metro Smith (long story). What do I have to do?
 
#15
Changing your legal name in the world, it's more or less going to court, some verification that you are not up to no-good-ness (skipping out on debts, etc.) in so doing, and associated fees. Consult a local lawyer for more details. I've known a few kids who did so, and most of their issue with it appeared to be waiting until they were no longer kids, but 18 year old adults and could do so, rather than the process itself being onerous or outrageously expensive.

If you merely want to change the name you use, without actually changing your legal name, you can either simply do that, or follow George Carlin along the "It's pronounced "Smith" but spelled "Jano3ski" path. There will be some frisson when your legal name is needed, but not much in most cases.

Since you are in the mass of two .... this will be relevant:

Name Changes

Filing Fee $150 each
Surcharge $15 each
Fee for Citation (Notice) for publication, if required $15 each

Presumably you will have fees associated with getting a new drivers license and passport (if you maintain those documents) on top of any court costs.
 
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#16
Bunk McNulty said:
Maybe I'm losing my grip. Is there anything ambiguous here?
/QUOTE]

I was simply looking for clarification. How bout you drop the attitude, K pal?

If you wanna change your name, here or wherever, go for it. No need to be rude about it.

Changing your legal name to Metro Smith is..... odd. It stands to reason one wouldn't assume someone would actually do it. Thus the need for clarification. :thumbsup:
Click to expand...
 
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#17
I'm sorry. I was trying to say "Who you gonna believe? Me, or your lying eyes?" without actually saying it. Wait, that's not appropriate either...It is hard when you think you're being obvious, and somebody says you're not.
 
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#19
Step 1
Get a certified copy of your birth certificate. Visit the official website of the Massachusetts Office of Health and Human Services (Executive Office of Health and Human Services) to view the options for getting a copy.

Step 2
Visit the Probate and Family Court in your Massachusetts county of residence (33 King St # 3, Northampton, MA 01060). Ask for a change of name petition. Or.........
Download and complete the petition ([Invalid or Expired Link Removed]).

Step 3
Attach the certified copy of your birth certificate to the petition. File the petition in the Family and Probate Court (33 King St # 3, Northampton, MA 01060); be prepared to pay the filing fees and the public notice. The court will notify you of a hearing date by mail.
*Be aware that your criminal background will be checked as part of this process.*

Step 4
Attend the hearing. Go over your reasons for the name change before attending the hearing, as the judge has the right to ask you questions about the change before granting the order.

-Mike
 
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