Mark Required Fields In Legal Arkansas Name Change Forms For Free

Changing an individual's name for any reason other than marriage or divorce will be accomplished through the submission of a written petition to a local Circuit County Clerk. Generally, this is done without much questioning by the judge, but a court appearance may be required.

The Circuit Clerk will require a filing fee of around $165. An exact amount can be determined by contacting the Clerk's Office in the county where you live. Payment will be accepted in cash or by check/money order made payable to ?[County Name] County Circuit Court Clerk.?

How long will the entire application for change of name take? Name change actions can take anywhere from a day, to six (6) months (sometimes even longer). The time it takes for such action to be ordered/decreed varies not only from county to county, but sometimes from courthouse to courthouse as well.

Section 9-2-101 of the Arkansas Code states that, upon good reason shown, the circuit court has the power to alter or change the name of a person. Therefore, you should prepare a reason for the courts to consider as a valid circumstance for a change of name (e.g. preferred common usage, religious reasons).

To get started you'll need either a marriage certificate or a deed poll. You can go back to your former name even if you're not divorced! Whatever your situation, we refer to this document as your certificate. Financial institutions and government departments may ask for additional documents to safeguard your identity.

What documents do you need? Your legal name change document (marriage certificate or court order) Proof of identity (current state ID or passport, for example) Proof of citizenship (your birth certificate or passport)?but only if you haven't already proved this to the SSA.