libertiana
Junior Member
What is the name of your state?This case is in North Carolina
I went to a lawyer to see about getting my name changed. I had changed it previously (family disowned me) and wanted to change it again (originally I had modified my name instead of changing it altogether, to appease members of the family with whom I was still in touch, but since then, we've cut all ties with each other).
I informed the lawyer at our first meeting about my previous name change and the circumstances. He said I could change my name again, no problem. He took my money (about $300, considered a 'non refundable retainer') and initiated the paperwork. I submitted the affidavits of the witnesses and about two months passed before I heard back from the lawyer.
He stated in a letter that the clerk of court informed him that in NC, adults can only change their names one time, while minor children can change theirs twice.
I was shocked to learn this, as if the lawyer had been familiar with the letter of the law at our first consult, I could have been saved 2 months and about $300.
This is aside from the depression and anguish at learning I will, for the rest of my life, bear names reminding me that I no longer have a family.
I went to the lawyer, trusting that he knew the law and would have informed me during the initial consult if a name change wasn't possible. Instead, we have the clerk of court informing him of the law. Is this legal malpractice?
Thanks.
I went to a lawyer to see about getting my name changed. I had changed it previously (family disowned me) and wanted to change it again (originally I had modified my name instead of changing it altogether, to appease members of the family with whom I was still in touch, but since then, we've cut all ties with each other).
I informed the lawyer at our first meeting about my previous name change and the circumstances. He said I could change my name again, no problem. He took my money (about $300, considered a 'non refundable retainer') and initiated the paperwork. I submitted the affidavits of the witnesses and about two months passed before I heard back from the lawyer.
He stated in a letter that the clerk of court informed him that in NC, adults can only change their names one time, while minor children can change theirs twice.
I went to the lawyer, trusting that he knew the law and would have informed me during the initial consult if a name change wasn't possible. Instead, we have the clerk of court informing him of the law. Is this legal malpractice?
Thanks.