Last Name Change in New York

[ErinGoBragh]

What is the name of your state? New York

I have a few questions regarding changing my name in New York State. My mother is divorced from my father, has been for 12 years, and I would prefer to leave the last name behind as my father was extremely abusive towards my family when I was a child.

I was wondering the following:

1) What are the steps I need to take to change my name in New York?

2) How would I inform SS? Or would New York State do it for me?

3) I realize that there are laws requiring a public notice of name change be publicized, but is there any reason I would have to tell my father? I know he switches us on and off of his insurance policies as beneficiaries, and I don't really want to have to inform him of my name change because I fear his reaction. If he finds out through a public notice fine, but he doesn't read the paper so I'm not overly concerned. If my former last name was listed on anything as a beneficiary, would I then lose the right to any inheritance that I was left on?

4) Is there anything else relevant you guys think I should know about the process?

Thanks much in advance.

 

[You Are Guilty]

http://www.courts.state.ny.us/courts/nyc/civil/namechanges.shtml

 

[las365]

I'm not a lawyer, so this isn't legal advice. I legally changed my first and middle names when I was a young adult (a long time ago, yes) and the process is pretty simple and straightforward.

You should notify social security and any banks, lenders, utilities, etc., after the change is granted. If you are named in a Will or as an insurance beneficiary under your former name, your inheritance or benefits should not be affected by your name change. Likewise, you are still responsible for your legal obligations incurred under your former name. You are still the same person.

Changing your name can be a symbolic part of taking control of your life and moving forward in a positive direction. Best of luck to you!