Name Change Issues

I was born in Miami-Dade County, Florida. When I was born, my mother got me a Birth Certificate and a Social Security Card, like she was supposed to.

When I was five, she got re-married, and changed my last name. I was originally A.P. T., now it became A.P. J. She did this cutting-corners so she wouldn't have to pay. She should have had my step-father adopt me, or get a legal name change for me. Instead, she told Vital Statistics that he was my biological father, which he isn't, an they just changed it over.

She did not inform Social Security, and my name with them remained A.P. T.

This wasn't a problem until I turned 18 this June, moved out since my family is crazy, and tried to get work, ID, a bank account, an even simply buying cigarettes.

My family lived in Shepheardstown, West Virginia when I left, and I left there and went to Cortland, New York.

Let me tell you what I had at that point. I had two Original Birth Certificates (with the seal you can feel) of A.P. J., a photo-copy Birth Certificate of the one that said A.P. T. I had my Social Security Card under A.P. T. as well.

First thing I tried to do there was get ID. I couldn't, because my Social Security and Birth Certificate didn't match. So I either needed to get another Birth Certificate or change my name with Social Security. Social Security wants the original A.P. T. Birth Certificate to change my Social Security Card. If I get that certificate, I don't need to change it, so easier to get that.

Trying to find work, I went to the Cortland Works Center, which is like their Department of Labor I believe. I registered there under A.P. T., and also Selective Service under A.P. T., since I thought I should use that one, being that's the name my Social Security was in, an this was for getting work.

In order to get ID, I needed to make them match. So, through the Works Center, I tried to get my Birth Certificate. After several months of sending stuff back for BS reasons, they sent me the one that said A.P. J., which is -not- what I asked for. I need an original that says A.P. T.

Due to issues with the people I was staying with, not being able to afford to get my own place and/or needing ID to get a place, I went back to West Virginia in November.

Now, I have 3 Original Certificates that say A.P. J., 1 Photocopied Certificate that says A.P. T. and is more or less useless. My Social Security in A.P. T., my Selective Service in A.P. T., and my GED in A.P. T. which I got up there.

Figuring I have to go down and explain it to them, I used part of the little savings I had to go down to Orlando, Florida, which is where I am now. I had no where to stay in Miami-Dade County, but I have a friend here, and I figure being in the same state it should still help.

I went to Vital Statistics and explained to them. They say the reason they don't have the A.P. T. one (hence unable to send it) is because it was issued before everything was on computer; so it more or less doesn't exsist anymore.

They told me to change it (or Social Security, whichever I want but the new Birth Certificate is easier), I need to get a Court Ordered Legal Name Change.

I went to the Courthouse and got the papers I needed, which costs $5. Looking through them, I have alot of problems.

1. It says I need to be an Orange County resident to file it.
2. It says it takes 3-4 weeks to process it, then I get a case number, and then it happens got knows when.
3. It costs $255 for the processing, which I can't afford.

I can't stay here at my friends, I have to go back to West Virginia next week. I can't afford to get my own place here, and I don't have work. Considering Orlando has alot more Illigal Immigrants, I know it would be -very- hard to get a job without ID, which I still can't get. Also, even if I could stay, I don't have enough for the processing, so I have to go back to West Virginia.

Now, questions.

1. Even though the Birth Certificate is in Miami-Dade County, can I file for a name change up in West Virginia later one when I can afford it? Or do I need to file it in the County that my Birth Certificate is in?

2. Considering I need the name change done, genuinely can't afford it, and furthermore, I'm not the one that screwed it up, is there any way I could get it done cheaper/free? With my economic level it's alot of money to get that paid for.

3. My mother has said, that if she is questioned about the way she changed the name, she will say that my Step-Father is my Biological-Father even though he isn't. Can this bite me in the ass, or because I'm 18 now does she not have anything to do with my name period, even though I have to mention how it got messed?

4. Is there anything else you think I should know? Is there anything else you need to know to answer me? Do you know any better way to get this fixed?

Thank you in advance.

[rmet4nzkx]

It doesn't cost you anything to change your name on social security, it doesn't matter what name is on your GED.
Apply for fee waivers to do the name change, you may be able to do that since you have no money and it is not your fault.
If your mom says she will say he is your Biodad, petition to establish paternity legallywhich will expose the truth. Do you have any contact with who you believe to be your biodad? Were they married? You have until
Age 22: Four years after the child's 18th birthday to establish paternity in Florida

I know it doesn't cost anything to change my Social Security name, but they won't do it unless I have the Original Birth Certificates for both A.P. J (which I have) and A.P. T which I only have a photocopy of.

What is a fee waivers and how do I apply?

I was told my Biological Father is dead, but that's just what she told me. I have no way of knowing if it's true or not, and her story about him has changed from time to time. ~Frowns~

What's the age cap for West Virginia, do you know?

Thank you for your reply.

[mac105]

PA. You could try Legal Aid